West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workplace injuries can lead to severe pain and disability and threaten your livelihood. You may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits without delay, so you can pay your bills for as long as your injuries keep you out of work. While the claims process is meant to be seamless, employers and their insurers often fight claims. Our experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers can protect your rights and recover your well-deserved benefits as speedily as possible.
If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to receive wage replacement benefits and free medical care through workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation may be the only barrier between you and financial ruin, yet employers often put up hurdles to prevent injured workers from accessing their benefits.
When you’re injured at work, you shouldn’t have to live with the threat of losing your home or not being able to feed your kids just because your employer doesn’t want to pay. Whether you need to file your initial claim or have already been denied benefits, our workers’ compensation lawyers in West Palm Beach are dedicated to getting maximized results. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Trust Farah & Farah To Handle Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Our family-owned law firm gives every client compassionate, personalized attention. We have been protecting you and your family since 1979 and have won more than $2 billion in compensation. Our team prides itself on helping those who need it most, and we win through caring, understanding, and hard work.
West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer Michael Bodik has represented injured workers for over 30 years. He handles workers’ compensation cases exclusively and his knowledge and experience in Florida workers’ compensation law is unsurpassed. He embodies our core value of putting clients first.
Our team is committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work through charitable giving and volunteerism. Mr. Bodik volunteers for the Friends of 400 Scholarship Fund and serves on the board of directors. This program provides college scholarships to the children of injured workers.
Our Workers’ Compensation Case Results
We are committed to helping injured workers regardless of the size of your case. Below are just a few examples of the many successful results we have obtained in workers’ compensation cases:
- $1.5 million for the children of a woman who died from an accident with poorly maintained machinery
- $1.3 million for a worker who developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy reflex sympathetic dystrophy from a work injury
- $227,000 for an injured worker after the insurance company stalled and tried to downplay the injuries
- $150,000 for a security guard injured when a gun without a safety mechanism fired
Our results are no accident. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in West Palm Beach work together as a team to ensure all our clients receive the highest compensation available.
What Clients Say About Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Although we are one of Florida’s largest and most respected personal injury law firms, if you visit our West Palm Beach office, you will find a friendly team of attorneys who will give you personalized attention. We will answer your calls, provide moral support, and even take the time to check on your well-being. Our clients see how much we care, and it shows in the unsolicited testimonials we regularly receive.
I contacted Farah and Farah after my first accident in March. From start to finish, Eric and team helped guide me through the process, supporting my physical and emotional needs while maintaining absolute professionalism in every sense of the word. I know that these people truly care about what they do and who they represent. I never felt alone, and I knew that my legal team at Farah and Farah always had my back. Farah and Farah never stopped fighting for me and advocating on my behalf. I am more than pleased with the outcome that was achieved. Thank you, Eric and team, for everything. If I could recommend six stars, I would.
Working with Farah & Farah has been an absolutely amazing experience for me. I am forever grateful for Mrs. Kristen, Jordan, & the entire team. They kept me informed from the very beginning of my settlement up until the very end and fought hard to get me what I deserved. They have been nothing but professional & very helpful. I never had to call because they were always contacting me with every change & detail surrounding my case. I would highly recommend this firm to all of my family & friends. If I ever need representation again in the future, I am for sure contacting Farah and Farah without a doubt. My settlement couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m so thankful!!
I highly recommend Farah & Farah! I worked alongside Saldumaire, and it was one of the easiest processes I could have gone through. He was always available when needed, and if I was not able to reach him, he made sure to get back with me in a timely manner. To me it wasn't about collecting money, but he made sure to make me feel as if he really cared. I really appreciate him throughout this whole process, and if God forbid I had to go through this again, he would be the one I would request! I highly recommend the company and him especially!! 10,000 stars if it could go that high!!!
If you’re injured by a workplace accident, our award-winning workers’ compensation attorneys in West Palm Beach are ready to fight just as hard for you. Call us today at (561) 766-5020 to schedule a free case review.
What Claims Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in West Palm Beach, FL?
Workers’ compensation covers all types of injuries that can happen in the workplace when the injured worker is an employee. According to the National Safety Council, the most common causes of workers’ compensation claims include the following:
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments – injuries or illnesses from electricity, radiation, noise, temperature extremes, contagious diseases, low oxygen, and traumatic events
- Overexertion and bodily reaction – injuries from excessive physical effort or repetitive motions
- Slips, trips, and falls – injuries from attempting to catch yourself after slipping or tripping and injuries from falls, including falls from a roof or ladder
- Contact with objects – injuries from being struck by moving objects, crushed by objects, or caught between objects
- Violence by people or animals – Injuries from workplace assaults and animal attacks
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Fires and explosions
These are just a few examples of the types of claims workers’ compensation covers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most dangerous occupations in the United States include loggers, roofers, hunting and fishing workers, construction workers, aircraft pilots, truck drivers, miners, and agricultural workers. Contact us now if you’ve been injured on the job.
Types of Available Workers Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits may include disability benefits, death benefits, and medical care provided by your employer.
Disability Benefits
Florida workers’ compensation provides weekly disability payments equal to a percentage of your average weekly wage before your injury. The percentage and duration of benefits will vary based on the extent of your disability and whether you are permanently disabled.
With a few exceptions, the maximum weekly payment is 100 percent of the state average weekly wage as computed by the Florida Division of Economic Development. This figure is updated annually. As of January 1, 2024, the maximum weekly award is $1,260.
Workers’ compensation disability benefits may include the following:
- Permanent total disability – If your injury permanently prevents you from performing any type of work, your workers’ compensation benefits may be two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum, until you reach the age of 75. However, your benefits may continue beyond age 75 if you are ineligible for Social Security because your injury prevented you from working.
- Temporary total disability – If your injuries prevent you from working but are expected to improve to a level where you can perform some type of work, you may be eligible for two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum for up to two years. You may be eligible for an enhanced benefit of up to 80 percent of your average weekly wage for the first six months if your work injury is catastrophic, even if the amount exceeds the state average weekly wage. The state defines catastrophic injuries as paralysis, blindness, or loss of a limb.
- Permanent impairment – If you can work but have a lower earning capacity, you may be able to receive permanent impairment benefits of up to 75 percent of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum. Your award is reduced if you earn wages, and these benefits are only available for up to 600 weeks, depending on the disability rating workers’ compensation assigns. If your disability rating is 10 percent or less, you may be to receive benefits for two weeks per percentage point. If the state rates you as 21 percent or more disabled, you may be able to receive benefits for six weeks per point, up to 600 weeks if you are 100 percent disabled.
- Temporary partial disability – You may be eligible for this benefit if you can perform some form of work but not your usual job and your doctor expects you to recover fully. Workers’ compensation will calculate 80 percent of your average weekly wage. It will then pay 80 percent of that amount but no more than two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Any wages you earn will be deducted from the final calculation.
Temporary disability may be converted to permanent impairment or permanent total disability if you don’t recover as expected.
We know workers’ compensation laws inside and out, and our dedicated West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers are dedicated to ensuring the benefits you receive reflect your true disability status.
Medical Care
Your employer must provide medical care when you get injured at work. The workers’ compensation insurance company usually manages the care. The insurer will generally assign you an authorized physician. If you dislike your doctor, the law allows you to request a change one time. However, the insurance company will generally choose the replacement provider for you.
Medical care provided by workers’ compensation may include all of the following treatments as your physician authorizes them:
- Remedial treatment
- Medical care
- Surgery
- Diagnostic tests
- Attendant care with a doctor’s prescription
- Vocational programs
- Pain management
- Medication
- Medical supplies
- Orthoses and prostheses
- Chiropractic visits
We have experience working with workers’ compensation physicians throughout the state. If your doctor fails to authorize the services you need, we can help. Contact us now to talk to an experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer today.
Workers’ compensation pays licensed care attendants if the authorized physician orders it. Family members who provide attendant care can also receive compensation.
Death Benefits
Workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the surviving spouse and dependent children of workers who pass away as a result of occupational illnesses or injuries. Death benefits include funeral expenses of up to $7,500 and wage replacement of up to 66.67 percent of the average weekly wage divided between all surviving dependents. The maximum lifetime wage replacement death benefit is $150,000.
Workers’ compensation also provides education benefits to the surviving spouse.
If your loved one has died from a job-related injury or illness, call our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in West Palm Beach today at (561) 766-5020 for a free consultation.
Can I Receive Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation Benefits at the Same Time?
Qualified workers with disabilities expected to severely limit their ability to work for at least a year may be able to receive Social Security Disability. You can receive this benefit simultaneously with workers’ compensation. However, if the combined total exceeds 80 percent of your average weekly wage, your workers’ compensation benefits will be reduced to reduce the total to this level.
Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for My Pain and Suffering?
Workers’ compensation only provides wage replacement and medical care. Pain and suffering damages are generally only available through a lawsuit against someone who caused or contributed to your accident.
Can I Sue My Employer?
Most Florida employers are required to carry workers’ compensation. In exchange, they are generally immune from lawsuits. The law makes an exception for small employers with four or fewer employees. If your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation, you may be able to sue the employer for job-related injuries.
Florida workers’ compensation laws generally don’t allow you to sue a covered employer unless you have clear and convincing evidence that your employer intentionally harmed you or consciously endangered your safety without your knowledge.
However, the law allows you to file suit against other responsible parties. You may be able to hold the following parties liable for your injuries:
- Property owners
- Manufacturers of defective equipment
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Contractors that create unsafe conditions
Our workers’ compensation attorneys in West Palm Beach will thoroughly investigate your accident and identify any additional parties liable for your injuries. We are committed to helping you recover as much compensation as possible.
Examples of Common Occupational Injuries
We have handled workers’ compensation claims for nearly every type of injury imaginable. The most common occupational injuries we have seen include the following:
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel
- Injuries from extreme mental stress
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
- Sprains and strains
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Burns, including chemical, thermal, and friction burns
- Skin lacerations and punctures
- Heat stroke
- Broken or crushed bones
- Infections and infectious diseases
- Lung damage from exposure to toxic inhalants
- Loss of appendages or limbs
- Death
Our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help no matter what type of injury you’ve sustained. Call us today at (561) 766-5020 to schedule a free case review.
When the chips are down, you can count on us to be here for you and here for good.
The Steps You Take After You Are Injured Can Impact Your Claim
When you’ve been injured on a job, you have a limited amount of time to act, and if you skip any steps, you could lose out on your benefits. Florida workers’ compensation laws require you to do the following:
- Report your injury to the employer within 30 days
- Seek emergency medical treatment as needed
- Formally request initial care and treatment from the employer’s insurance carrier for non-emergency treatment
- Report all symptoms to your doctor and follow treatment recommendations
As soon as your medical condition allows, contact an experienced lawyer for workers’ compensation. When you choose our West Palm Beach personal injury law firm, we will walk you through the process, advise you of your rights, and handle your workers’ compensation claim for you.
What To Do If Your Claim Has Been Denied or Your Benefits Are Lower than Expected
Florida’s workers’ compensation statute of limitations is two years from your injury date. If you receive wage replacement benefits or medical care, you have up to one year after it ceases to file a claim.
However, don’t wait. Contact one of our award-winning Florida workers’ compensation lawyers in West Palm Beach as soon as possible. We can file a Petition for Benefits through the Office of Judges of Compensation Claims or file an appeal on your behalf.
Am I Eligible for Benefits if My Injury Occurred While I Was Outside of the Jobsite?
Workers’ compensation covers your injuries as long as you were injured while actively performing duties for your employer. You can receive workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries no matter where they occurred. In fact, many workers routinely perform job-related tasks off-site.
For example, you may perform maintenance or repair work on equipment for residential or commercial customers at their locations. Your job may require you to travel to make deliveries, run errands, or transition between sites. Being off-site is not a valid reason for an employer to deny your claim.
Our West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Are Ready To Fight for You
If you’ve been injured on the job, you can count on us to protect your rights and help you receive the benefits you deserve. You’ll get through this, and our attorneys can help.
Call our skilled West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers today at (561) 766-5020 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Trust Farah & Farah To Handle Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
What Claims Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in West Palm Beach, FL?
Types of Available Workers Compensation Benefits
Examples of Common Occupational Injuries
The Steps You Take After You Are Injured Can Impact Your Claim
Am I Eligible for Benefits if My Injury Occurred While I Was Outside of the Jobsite?
Our West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Are Ready To Fight for You
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