Frequently asked questions:  Workers’ Compensation

1. I had an accident while working and told my boss, but then I was fired. Do I still have a workers' compensation claim?
   Yes.  Your termination does not affect your right to workers¹ compensation benefits.
2. I had an accident on my job. What benefits am I entitled to get?
   You are entitled to medical treatment, lost wages if a doctor determines you are unable to work and attendant care benefits if a doctor determines you need someone to care for you.
3. How long after my accident will I get my check from the workers' compensation insurance company? How much will that check be?
   If your authorized doctor determines you are eligible for checks from the insurance Carrier for time you have missed from work, the check should start approximately 14 days from the date of the accident. These checks will be based upon a percentage of your wages earned before the accident.
   
4. How do I get medical treatment for the injuries from my workers' compensation accident?
   If you suffered an on-the-job injury, you first must report it to your employer. Your employer¹s insurance carrier, will then refer you to a doctor through their network. If it is an emergency you can seek treatment on your own and submit the bills to the insurance carrier for possible reimbursement.
5. I am not satisfied with the medical doctor who is treating me for my workers' compensation injury. Can I change my treating doctor?
   Depending on when your accident occurred, you may be entitled to a change in doctors.
6. Is my spouse entitled to compensation, as they missed work to take care of me.
   Depending on what care your spouse provided and whether a doctor deems that care necessary, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for providing you care.
7. I was getting my workers' compensation benefits but now my checks have stopped. Why?
   A doctor may have opined that you can return to work.  A doctor may have placed you at Maximum Medical Improvement. Or, if you failed to keep your doctors appointments, the Insurance Carrier can stop your benefits.
8. My doctor has told me I can return to work but I am still in pain.  Is there anything that I can do?
   Depending on when your injury occurred, you may be entitled to another doctor¹s opinion.
9. It’s been a while since my workers' compensation injury, can I still file a claim?
   In Florida there is a two (2) year statute of limitation in workers' compensation claims.  This means that unless you file a claim two (2) years from the date of the accident you are forever barred from doing so.
10. If I hire an attorney from your firm to help me, what will it cost me? How do I pay the attorney if I don't get any money?
    You are only required to pay a fee if we settle your case for a lump sum of money. If you do settle, your attorney is entitled to a percentage amount determined by the State of Florida.
11. How long after I settle my workers' compensation case will I get my check?
    Settlement documents must be drafted and signed by all parties and then forwarded to the judge for approval. This usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

Frequently asked questions: Personal Injury

1. I recently had an automobile accident and need medical care.  Can I go to my own doctor?
   Yes.  You will need to provide them with your automobile insurance information for billing purposes.
2. It’s been a while since my automobile accident, can I still file a claim?
   In Florida there is a four (4) year statute of limitation in personal injury claims.  This means that unless you file a claim four (4) years from the date of the accident you are forever barred from doing so
3. What is the Value of My Case?
   It is impossible for us to tell you how much money, if any, you will recover in connection with your case. All cases are different. Recovery is often related to the amount of insurance coverage available, as well as the nature, extent, and duration of your injuries, along with an assessment of liability. As your attorneys, we feel it is our primary duty to obtain an amount of money which will fairly and justly compensate you for your injuries. We will make every effort to do this by locating all sources of money.
4. I was involved in an automobile accident and the driver at fault has no insurance.  Do I have a case?
   If you were hit by an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist, you may be eligible for benefits under your own policy or the policy that covered the vehicle you were in.
5. Can I give my insurance company a recorded statement?
   Do not give any statements, written, recorded, or oral, to anyone concerning your accident or injuries without first getting our approval.
6. Should I tell my doctor about my prior accident(s)?
   Yes.  Do not make any incorrect statements to any doctor who may treat or examine you respecting any prior injuries or accidents.  If you don¹t remember, say so.
7. My vehicle was towed after the accident.  Should I retrieve it?
   Yes.  These costs will most likely be reimbursed by the insurance company.  However, they will not pay if they feel you have not done everything in your power to minimize damages.