Heat Stroke from Working Inside in Florida

When we think about heat stroke on the job in Florida, we tend to think about employees who work outside. We know that construction workers, farmers, and other people who work outside during long, hot days are susceptible to heat stroke. However, employees who work indoors are also in danger of heat stroke. In some cases, the temperature indoors can be higher than the temperature outside. In buildings without proper ventilation, air circulation, or air conditioning, the risk of a heat stroke can increase dramatically. […]

New Workers’ Comp Laws Benefit Injured Workers

According to a story posted by Business Insider, The Florida House of Representatives passed a workers’ compensation reform bill that will increase the number of weeks an injured worker can receive benefits. House Bill 7085 increased the length of time a worker can receive temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefits from 104 weeks to 260 weeks. By doing so, lawmakers have addressed the problem of a gap between the end of benefits and the injured worker still receiving treatment for his or her injuries. […]

Common Forklift Injuries At Work

Forklifts are used in a variety of jobs in Florida. These machines are extremely useful for efficiently moving items without placing the working in danger of suffering an injury from moving heavy or bulky items. Unfortunately, forklift accidents are a common workplace injury with over 20,000 injuries and over 100 deaths being reported each year from forklifts accidents.

One of the most common causes of forklift accidents is the lift overturning. An unloaded forklift can be dangerous, but an improperly loaded forklift can be deadly. A forklift should not be overloaded or carry items that it is not designed to carry. The first step in preventing workplace accidents involving forklifts is to institute safety measures and rules for the use of a forklift. The second step is to secure the forklift when not in use to prevent unauthorized use of the forklift. Three, employers need to provide training on how to use a forklift. […]

Judge Denies Request to Change Doctors in Florida Workers Comp Case

According to a story reported by the Florida Record, an injured worker’s second request to change doctors after a workplace injury has been denied. In a decision by the First District Court of Appeal, the court upheld the lower court’s decision to deny the worker’s request to change doctors because he had already been granted a one-time change of physicians. The injured employee had previously requested a change of doctors when his authorized orthopedic physician retired and the insurance company authorized another doctor. The employee alleged that he should be allowed to change doctors again to return to a doctor with the practice of his original doctor. The court denied the request because the worker had already been granted a one-time change of doctors. […]

Five Important Factors In A Florida Workers’ Compensation Claim

Being injured at work is scary and frustrating. You are worried about getting the medical care you need to recover from your injury while you are worried about your job and the loss of income. A Florida workplace injury can turn your life upside down.

Our Boca Raton workers’ comp attorneys understand your fears […]

What Can I Expect From A Florida Workers’ Comp Attorney?

You may not have paid any money up front to hire your workers’ comp attorney, but he still represents you and is working on your behalf. Therefore, what can you expect from your Florida workers’ comp attorney? If you call your attorney and you don’t get to talk to him right away, are you being unreasonable? […]

How to Tell If You Suffered A Concussion At Work

A workplace injury is something you should take very seriously. You may not believe you suffered an injury when in fact you are injured. Therefore, you should always report any accidents and injuries to your employer when they occur to avoid being denied for Florida workers’ compensation benefits. This applies when you believe you may have suffered a concussion at work. One workplace injury that is common and may not always be reported is a concussion. A concussion at work can result from a fall or falling equipment. Anything your head strikes an object, you can suffer a concussion. The important thing is that a physician checks you and you know what to look for after you experience a head injury. […]

What is Rehabilitative Temporary Partial Disability?

When a person is injured on the job, the injury is classified as either temporary or permanent. It is also classified as partial or total disability. Benefits approved for a work injury are decided based on the classification of the injury. If rehabilitative temporary partial disability will apply in your Florida workers’ compensation case, it is helpful to have some basic knowledge about this complex workers’ comp benefit.

Temporary Partial Disability

When you are diagnosed with a temporary partial disability (TPD), it means you are unable to return to your former job at this time. Your condition is expected to improve with continued medical care and therapy, but you are unable to perform your job duties at this time due to medical restrictions. Because you are not able to perform your regular job, you are not receiving income. […]

Florida Workers’ Comp FAQs

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What Do You Need To Know About a Florida Workers’ Comp Claim?

If you are injured in a Florida workplace accident, you have the right to receive benefits under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws. Below are several FAQs about workers’ comp that can help you as you begin the process of filing a workers’ comp claim.

How long do I have to report a workplace accident?

If you are injured at work, you need to report the accident/injury to your employer immediately or as soon as physically possible. By law, you must report workplace injuries within 30 days of the injury or your claim may be denied. […]

Florida Workers’ Comp Law Changes

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A Major Change In Florida Workers’ Comp Laws Regarding Attorney Fee Caps in WC Claims

In a ruling by the First District Court in Tallahassee, Appellate Judge Bradford Thomas stated that current laws placing statutory restrictions on a person’s right to enter into a contract waiving statutory limits on attorney fees in WC Claims was unconstitutional. In the opinion, Thomas wrote, “the proper remedy is to allow an injured worker and an attorney to enter into a fee agreement approved by the [judge of compensation claims], notwithstanding the statutory restrictions.”

Plaintiff’s attorneys are viewing the ruling as a victory while opponents allege waiving statutory restrictions on attorney fees in WC Claims will increase the number of workers’ compensation claims filed in Florida and it will increase the cost of workers’ compensation coverage for Florida businesses. […]