The First District Court of Appeals ruled that Bryan Bishop, a former Orlando Predators Arena Football player, is not entitled to receive workers comp benefits because his employer did not sign his employment contract. According to reports, Bishop filed a workers’ comp claim for injuries he sustained during a tryout. The matter came before a judge of compensation who ruled for Bishop. The decision was overturned on appeal. The appellate opinion said that while parties can enter a contract without signing it, the parties must perform other actions that indicate the parties desire to abide by the terms of the contract. In the case before the court, the judges ruled that simply allowing Bishop to try out for the team was not enough to demonstrate that the League was hiring him as an employee. The employment contract was only signed by Bishop and a team representative. However, the League is the actual employee under the Arena system, not the team. Therefore, both parties did not sign the employment contract. The order also stated that professional athletes are excluded from Florida’s workers’ comp system. This matter was not raised, but the appellate court commented on the matter in a footnote.
The Importance of an Employment Contract for Workers Comp Benefits
If your employer has you sign an employment contract, you should receive a copy of the contract for your records. Immediately review the contract to ensure that all parties have completed, signed, and dated the contact to try to avoid the above situation if you are injured at work. As the appellate court stated, employees and employers can enter employment contracts without signing them provided they perform actions that indicate they are abiding by the terms. Actions can include performing job duties and receiving a paycheck. In many cases, employers do not use employment contracts; therefore, it is not applicable. If your employer tries to deny your workers comp benefits for this reason or another reason, it is important that you act quickly to protect your rights. Contact our Boca Raton workers’ comp attorney immediately to discuss your case. You may have a valid claim against the employer and its workers’ comp insurance provider for failing to pay valid workers comp benefits. However, if you wait to file your complaint or appeal, you may lose your right to receive workers comp benefits.
Contact a Boca Raton Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Being injured at work is a serious matter. You may incur substantial losses because of your injury. Florida’s workers’ comp laws are designed to protect you by providing medical care and other benefits while you are out of work due to a workplace injury or illness. Even though the system should be straightforward, it is often complicated by employers and insurance companies trying to avoid paying valid claims. The Florida workers’ comp attorneys of the Broderick Law Firm, P.L. can help you obtain the benefits you deserve. Contact our office today 1-800-333-3903 to speak with an attorney. We represent individuals in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale & Miami, FL.