Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Jacksonville

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jacksonville, Florida?

  Call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 in the event of non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Jacksonville, Florida?

  Call the Public Records Unit at 904-630-2209 to make a request or send mail addressed to: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Attn: Public Records Unit, 501 E. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Alternatively, visit the Police Memorial Building at 501 E. Bay St. or any of the Sheriff's substations. Reports can also be obtained at the online portal of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Public Records Center.

• Which government agency can help you with concerns regarding workers' compensation in Jacksonville?

  The Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office can assist you with concerns such as resolving claim disputes, identifying workers' compensation benefits, and deciding to return to work. You can call the office's toll-free number at 1-800-342-1741 or email wceao@myfloridacfo.com. The district office in Jacksonville can also help you, and it is located at 921 N. Davis St., Bldg B, Suite 250. It can be reached on the phone at (904) 798-5807 or by fax at (904) 353-2102.

• Are the funds you receive from a workers' compensation claim in Jacksonville taxable?

  No. State and federal laws do not tax the funds obtained from a workers' compensation claim in Jacksonville. These funds are considered non-taxable by the IRS because they fall under the category of disability benefits. You also do not need to report these benefits as income on your tax return. However, once you get back to work under certain limitations following your injury, the wages you receive will already be taxable, the same as a regular salary will be.

• Are you required to pay the medical bills for a workplace injury in Jacksonville?

  No. You should not pay the medical bills yourself; rather, your employer's insurance company must shoulder the payment or your employer if they are self-insured. When your employer in Jacksonville or its insurer has an authorized medical provider, visit them and not just any hospital or clinic so you can avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses. Should you have to pay the medical bills on your own, have it reimbursed to the appropriate party.

• When is an employer expected to notify the insurance company of a workers' compensation claim in Jacksonville?

  An employer in Jacksonville must make a report to the insurance company not later than seven days after the injury happened. After this, the insurance company must, within three days, inform the injured employee about their rights and obligations, according to the law on workers' compensation. Failure of the insurer to do this will lead to disqualification in using certain defenses when the case gets litigated.

• How can you be eligible for compensation after being injured at work in Jacksonville?

  You must be a bonafide employee of a company that carries workers' compensation insurance. Additionally, your injuries must stem from on-the-job incidents such as falling off a scaffold at a construction site or getting into a work-related car accident. Most importantly, you have to file your workers' compensation claim in Jacksonville within the deadline to be eligible for compensation.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.