Most people are somewhat familiar with the workers’ compensation system and what it provides. However, what you do not hear about is how many eligible workers get turned down for workers’ compensation benefits without just cause.

When an employee is injured on the job or performing job duties, he assumes he is protected and will receive compensation for lost wages and medical costs in the event of an injury. When an employee suffers fatal injuries, his or her family should be able to collect a number of benefits. However, this is not always the case. Employers or insurance companies may deny benefits or be unwilling to pay out immediately in order to save money. In addition, Florida law does not require your employer to hold your position for you until you return, if you have been injured on the job.

Unfortunately, many of the injured workers turned down for workers’ compensation benefits are often denied benefits two or three times before getting the compensation they deserve. At Chalik & Chalik, we believe every injured worker has rights to collect workers’ compensation. We will do everything we can to help you and your family cut through the red tape and get the money you need from workers’ compensation right away.

Once you have recognized that you need help with your workers’ compensation claim, the next step is selecting an attorney to help you through the process. At Chalik & Chalik Law Offices, our level of experience is such that we have seen a great variety of situations relating to workers’ compensation and helped many people receive the benefits they are entitled.

Florida Law and Workers' Compensation

Florida’s workers’ compensation statutes carry the following requirements for injured workers to be eligible for coverage:

• The accident must be due to a specific work activity, and it must have occurred at a specific time.
• In addition, the accident needs to have occurred at work or during a work-related activity or function.

Available Benefits and Associated Issues

The caring Florida workers' compensation attorneys at Chalik & Chalik will help you navigate all aspects of the claims filing process, advocating for your best interests. We will not only help you secure compensation, but we can provide counsel regarding your return to work and how your claim may be affected by other factors, such as unemployment compensation and pension benefits.

Benefits that you may be eligible for under Florida workers' compensation law include:

• Payment for doctor and hospital bills, medical treatments, prescription medicines, and medical equipment and supplies.
• Compensation for a portion of your wages. Lost wages benefits are variable and depend on whether your injury is determined to be a permanent vs. a temporary disability, and whether your disability is partial or total.

The Florida workers' compensation claims application process is not without pitfalls. Some common issues and problems encountered by injured workers filing for workers’ compensation claims include the following:

• Employers commit fraud so they don't have to pay higher insurance premiums, cheating injured workers out of what they are entitled to under Florida workers' compensation law.
• Employers stop paying injured workers' benefits.
• Employers deny injured employees' workers' compensation claims.
• Misunderstanding and confusion about how Florida workers' compensation law works may cause injured workers additional stress -- and lead to lost benefits.

What to Do If You Are Hurt at Work

If you have been injured at work or while performing your job...

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Document your injury in writing and report it to your supervisor (or someone in a supervisory position) as soon as you can. If you don't document and report your injury to your employer as soon as possible after the accident occurred, you may forfeit your right to benefits. Employers are not responsible for your medical expenses or lost wages without prompt written notice reporting the accident or disease.
• If you work for a subcontractor, give prompt written notice of your accident or occupational disease to your direct employer and the general contractor.
• Even if the injury or accident seems minor -- document and report it. A small problem can lead to or develop into a more serious problem.

Stand up for your rights in the workplace. If you have been treated unfairly or suffered injury as a result of your job, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer at Chalik & Chalik Law Offices to discuss your case.