Tampa Workplace Accident Lawyer
Most of us spend eight hours (or more) at work every day at least five days per week. With all that time working in an office or at a job site, there is a fairly significant chance you will sustain some sort of accidental injury in the course of your employment. So what are your options when it comes to seeking compensation for your medical bills and lost income?
In many cases, Florida workers’ compensation insurance will cover your employer’s legal and financial obligations towards you following an accident. But some employers and insurance companies may balk at paying workers’ compensation. And in some cases, your accident may be the result of third-party negligence, which may entitled you to file a separate personal injury lawsuit.
An experienced Tampa workplace accident lawyer can review your case and advise you of your options. Florin Gray is a team of dedicated Florida personal injury lawyers who understand the complexities of dealing with workplace injuries. Our lawyers can fully investigate your claim and represent you in seeking the full amount of workers’ compensation and personal injury damages that you are entitled to under the law.
Workers Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits Following a Work-Related Accident
If you are injured in the course of your employment, your employer is required to provide certain workers’ compensation benefits. In Florida, workers’ compensation is a “no fault” system. This means that unlike in a personal injury lawsuit, you do not have to prove your employer was negligent or caused your accident in any way.
Workers’ compensation provides the following benefits in the event of a covered workplace accident:
- All of your necessary and reasonable medical expenses, including the costs of your hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and medications.
- Wage replacement benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wages prior to the workplace accident (subject to a legal cap imposed by state law).
- Disability payments if you suffer a temporary or permanent loss of a key body function.
- Vocational counseling and job placement benefits if you are unable to return to your pre-accident job due to your injuries.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation does not fully compensate you for loss of income or your pain and suffering. Such compensation may, however, be available through a personal injury lawsuit. If your workplace accident was the result of negligence on the part of someone other than your employer (or another employee), you can sue that party directly for the full measure of your damages. Workers’ compensation only protects your employer from lawsuits. And in some cases, you may even be able to sue an employer if they do not have workers’ compensation insurance or are breaking the law with respect to their obligations under workers’ compensation.
Hurt on the Job Today–Call Florin Gray
A workplace accident can leave you struggling to figure out how you will pay your bills and continue supporting your family while you are unable to go back to work. We can help you in dealing with these concerns. If you need to speak with a qualified Tampa workplace accident lawyer, contact Florin Gray today to schedule a free consultation.
