Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Pembroke Pines, FL

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of Pembroke Pines’ local police station is 954-431-2200.

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

  A copy of the police report may be requested from the Records Unit of the Pembroke Pines Police Department at 9500 Pines Blvd.

• Can an employee with a workers’ compensation claim in Pembroke Pines select their own doctor?

  No, they cannot. Only the Pembroke Pines workers’ compensation insurance provider or employer is authorized to select the doctor to treat their employees' injuries. Workers who want to shift to another doctor or desire a second medical opinion must ask and consult with their insurance provider to provide them with a different physician.

• If a worker in Pembroke Pines experiences a temporary partial or temporary total disability at work, what benefits are they entitled to under workers' compensation?

  A Pembroke Pines employee is entitled to workers' compensation for a temporary partial or temporary total disability up to a maximum of 66% of their normal weekly income for the period of their disability under the state's workers compensation statute. During this time, the insurance company is required to pay the employee every two weeks an amount based on the wages the employee earned in the last 13 weeks.

• How long does a Pembroke Pines employee have to report a work-related accident to keep it eligible for workers’ compensation benefits?

  Pembroke Pines employees should report work-related accidents within 30 days from the date they occurred to keep them eligible for workers’ compensation. Beyond this time, the insurance provider can deny claims. An exception is repetitive trauma occurring over a long time, such as back injuries due to lifting heavy boxes for many years. The accident date used here is generally the time the employee found out that the injury was due to their work, such as when their physician told them so.

• When is an individual eligible to file a Pembroke Pines workers’ compensation claim?

  A Pembroke Pines employee can file a workers’ compensation claim if they became ill or injured due to the direct consequences of their working conditions. The basic requirements to be eligible are the following: -the worker should be an employee and not a consultant, freelancer, or volunteer, although volunteer firefighters and charity workers may sometimes be covered; -the employer should carry a workers’ compensation insurance; -the illness or injury should be work-related.

• What are some of the disability benefits in a workers’ compensation claim in Pembroke Pines?

  Workers' compensation disability benefits in Pembroke Pines include: -permanent partial disability benefits for permanent injuries that caused partial impairment; -disability income benefits for employees with permanent disability lasting more than a year and resulting in them being unable to work or find a new job; -supplemental benefits for severe injuries; -permanent total benefits for employees who cannot work due to severe injuries; -death benefits such as funeral costs, educational support, and dependent support for families of workers who died.

• 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.