Workplace injuries are common throughout the country, and Florida is no different. When a worker is injured, there are specific protocols that must be followed to protect an injured worker’s rights. While it would be nice to think an employer and the employer’s insurance carrier would go out of their way to take care of an employee’s needs after an injury, it doesn’t always work that way. Worker Compensation Attorneys help injured workers wade through the requirements necessary to make sure a claim is properly processed.
When Does an Injured Employee Have to Report an Injury?
Any injury should be reported immediately. While Florida laws dictate an injury must be reported within 30 days, the reality is that the sooner an injury is reported, the less likely a claim will be questioned. If no report is filed within 30 days, the claim will be denied.
How Long Does an Employer Have to Report a Claim?
Employers should also report any claim as soon as possible, but they must do so within seven days. Once the insurance carrier receives the claim notice, they will respond by providing the injured employee information related to their claim within three days.
Who Pays the Medical Bills?
The injured employee should not have to pay any medical expenses related to the injury. Any invoices for medical treatment should be forwarded to the insurance carrier for payment.
What Happens if the Insurance Company Denies the Claim?
In that event, it’s important that an injured employee contact Worker Compensation Attorneys immediately if they haven’t already done so. While the state does provide some assistance to injured workers if an insurance company denies a claim, it’s more likely an insurance carrier will take a case seriously if an attorney is representing the injured worker. Because the issues creating the claim rejection can be complex, it’s important to work closely with an attorney well versed in workers compensation laws.
Being injured on the job creates many problems. When an employee is unable to work due to a work-related injury, financial issues quickly develop. A workers compensation attorney will make sure an injured client is aware of all their rights to compensation. For more information or to schedule a consultation with an attorney, go to Bermanmcgrath.com today. You can also follow them on Twitter.
