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Tallahassee Workplace Accident Attorney

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Leon County, Florida

At Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., we are proud to stand up for the rights of injured workers throughout Leon County. Our Tallahassee workplace accident attorney brings more than 25 years of legal experience to his practice; Attorney Paul Shapiro and his team can help you understand your rights after a job-related injury and assist you in filing a workers’ compensation or third-party work injury claim.

Injured at work? Give our Tallahassee workplace accident attorney a call today at (850) 629-7226 or contact us online to set up a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Workplace Accident Claim?

No one should have to worry about being injured or becoming ill on the job. Unfortunately, workplace accidents and environments lead to millions of injuries and illnesses every year in the United States.

The good news is that most Florida employees are covered by the state’s no-fault workers’ compensation system, meaning they can collect financial compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
And other damages associated with work-related injuries and conditions

Who Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Florida?

In Florida, anyone who is classified as an “employee” (as opposed to an “independent contractor”) and works for an employer that has at least four employees is covered by workers’ compensation. This includes seasonal, part-time, and full-time employees. Additionally, construction companies are required by law to provide coverage to all employees, including contractors.

Who Is Exempt from Workers' Compensation in FL?

There are some exceptions to workers’ compensation coverage in Florida. Sole proprietors and business partners are excluded from workers’ compensation, but they may elect to purchase coverage for themselves. Additionally, construction companies are allowed to exempt up to three corporate officers if those officers can prove that they have at least 10% ownership of the business.

Contractors are legally obligated to ensure any subcontractors they hire provide applicable coverage for their workers, and agricultural businesses with less than six employees and/or less than 12 seasonal employees that work less than 30 days do not need to provide workers’ compensation coverage.

Additional exceptions include:

Government employees (including employees of both state and federal agencies)
Certain self-employed individuals
And others

What Benefits Are Available?

Workers’ compensation offers several benefits to those injured on the job. These benefits are available regardless of fault, meaning you do not need to prove that your employer or another party, such as a coworker, acted negligently in order to recover benefits.

Workers’ compensation benefits in Florida include:

Medical care coverage
Temporary total disability
Temporary partial disability
Impairment income benefits
Permanent total disability
Death benefits

While workers’ compensation will pay for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses associated with your job-related injury or illness, it only pays partial wage replacement for temporary and/or permanent disability. Additionally, temporary total and partial disability benefits are subject to time limits.

When a worker dies on the job or due to a work-related injury or illness, eligible surviving family members may recover death benefits through the state’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits generally pay for funeral expenses (up to specific limits), as well as compensation to dependents and educational benefits for surviving spouses.

To learn more about what workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to receive, contact our Tallahassee workers’ compensation lawyer at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. today for a free consultation.

Essential Steps After a Workplace Injury in Tallahassee

Regardless of the severity of your injury or the seriousness of your diagnosis, there are several important things you should do after a work-related injury or illness:

Seek Medical Attention: First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention if you have not yet done so. If necessary, call 911 or go to the emergency room after a workplace accident.
Report the Accident: Make sure you report the accident to your employer right away. To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you must report the injury/illness within 30 days.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: This includes all treatment recommendations and taking time off work if informed to do so by your doctor.
File Your Claim: In Florida, you have two years from the date of the injury/illness or date on which the injury/illness was discovered to file a workers’ compensation claim.

After you have filed the official workers’ compensation claim, you will be notified that your claim has been accepted or denied. If your claim is accepted, you will begin receiving benefits. If your claim is denied, you can request an appeal and seek to have the decision reversed.

Denied Workers' Comp? Contact Shapiro Law Firm in Tallahassee

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, we strongly recommend that you obtain representation from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Navigating the appeals process is challenging for those who do not have experience in this area.

By putting an attorney on your side, you significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Reach out to Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. today to learn how our Tallahassee workplace accident attorney can assist you in appealing a denied workers’ compensation claim in Florida.

Filing a Third-Party Claim for Workplace Injuries in Florida

In most cases, you cannot sue your employer if you are covered by workers’ compensation. However, there are some situations in which it may be appropriate and even necessary to file a third-party work injury claim.

A third-party work injury claim is essentially a standard personal injury lawsuit. These can be brought against third parties who are liable for workplace accidents and work-related injuries or illness.

Common examples include cases involving workplace injuries caused by:

Defective machinery
Equipment
Or tools
As well as commercial vehicle accidents caused by negligent third-party drivers

If you believe someone other than your employer may be liable for your work-related injury or illness, contact our team at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. We can help you determine if you have grounds for a third-party work accident lawsuit and, if so, can immediately begin investigating and building your case.

Choose Shapiro Law Firm for Your Workplace Accident Claim in Leon County

Since 1997, our firm has been successfully representing injured workers in complex workplace accident claims. We have helped countless clients obtain their rightful workers’ compensation benefits and have assisted injured employees in bringing third-party lawsuits against negligent parties.

Our goal is to not only help our individual clients get back on their feet but also to improve the safety of our community as a whole. When you need help with a workplace accident claim in Tallahassee or anywhere in Leon County, trust the team at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. We offer free consultations and do not collect any attorney fees unless/until we win your case.

Understanding Workplace Accidents in Tallahassee: Local Insights and Resources

Living and working in Tallahassee, the heart of Leon County, means being part of a vibrant community with unique challenges and opportunities. Workplace accidents can be particularly stressful, especially when navigating the complexities of workers' compensation claims. Here are some local insights and resources to help you through this difficult time:

Local Government Resources: The City of Tallahassee and Leon County government provide various resources for workers who have been injured on the job. The Florida Department of Financial Services, located in Tallahassee, offers guidance on workers' compensation claims and can be a valuable resource for understanding your rights and responsibilities.

Common Local Pain Points: In Tallahassee, many workers are employed in sectors such as education, government, and healthcare. These industries come with their own set of risks, from repetitive strain injuries in office settings to more severe accidents in healthcare environments. Understanding these local industry-specific risks can help you better navigate your claim.

Community Support: Tallahassee is home to several community organizations that can offer support during your recovery. The Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and local business associations often provide resources and networking opportunities that can be beneficial for injured workers looking to return to the workforce.

Local Legal Assistance: At Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., we understand the unique challenges faced by workers in Tallahassee and Leon County. Our deep knowledge of the local landscape allows us to provide tailored legal assistance, ensuring you receive the support you need to navigate your workers' compensation claim successfully.

By leveraging local resources and understanding the specific challenges faced by workers in Tallahassee, we aim to provide comprehensive support to help you get back on your feet. If you need assistance with your workplace accident claim, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A..

Call our office today at (850) 629-7226 or submit an online contact form to schedule your complimentary consultation regarding your workers' compensation claim with our Tallahassee workplace accident lawyer.

Commonly Asked Questions

What steps should I take immediately following a workplace accident in Florida?

If you experience a workplace accident in Florida, you should first seek medical attention to address any injuries. Subsequently, report the accident to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days, to comply with workers' compensation reporting requirements. Follow your doctor's instructions, including treatment plans and any recommended time off work. Lastly, ensure you file your workers' compensation claim within two years from the injury date or from when the injury was discovered.

How can Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. assist me if my workers' compensation claim is denied in Tallahassee?

If your workers' compensation claim is denied in Tallahassee, Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. can provide legal representation to guide you through the appeals process. With their extensive experience in workers' compensation claims, they can help improve your chances of reversing the denial and securing your benefits. The firm's attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of Florida's workers' compensation laws and can offer the support you need for a successful appeal.

What is the time limit for filing a workers' compensation claim in Florida?

In Florida, the time limit for filing a workers' compensation claim is two years from the date of the injury or illness, or from the date on which the injury or illness was discovered. It's crucial to adhere to this deadline to ensure your eligibility for workers' compensation benefits. If you're unsure about the process or need assistance, Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. can help you navigate the claim filing procedure.

Paul A. Shapiro
"
I became a personal injury attorney because I wanted to help people. What we do here is really about you – it's about your injuries… your rights… and it's about fairness and justice for you. After 25 years in practice in Tallahassee, I'm proud to have provided counsel, and helped so many people get what they really deserve. At Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., we will always keep the personal in personal injury law.
— Paul A. Shapiro, Personal Injury Lawyer
"
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