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Getting injured at work is bad enough. But making the wrong moves afterward can turn a manageable situation into a financial disaster that follows you for years.
Every week, we see Tampa workers who could have protected themselves but didn’t know the rules. Don’t let that be you.
1. Saying “I’m Fine” When You’re Not
The Mistake: You slip on a wet floor at work, and when your supervisor asks if you’re okay, you automatically say “I’m fine” — even though your back is already starting to ache.
Why It Hurts You: Your employer’s insurance company will use those words against you later. They’ll claim you admitted you weren’t injured, making it much harder to get medical treatment and lost wage benefits.
What To Do Instead:
- Never minimize your injuries, even if they seem minor
- Tell your supervisor you need medical attention
- Report all symptoms, even if they develop later
- Get everything documented in writing
Real Tampa Example: A warehouse worker in Westshore said he was “fine” after lifting a heavy box wrong. Three days later, he couldn’t get out of bed. The insurance company denied his claim because he initially said he wasn’t hurt.
2. Waiting Too Long to Report Your Injury
The Mistake: You think your injury will get better on its own, so you wait a week or two before telling anyone at work what happened.
Why It Hurts You: Florida law requires you to report workplace injuries within 30 days, but waiting even a few days gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim. They’ll argue your injury happened outside of work.
What To Do Instead:
- Report injuries immediately, even minor ones
- File a written report with your supervisor
- Keep a copy of all paperwork for yourself
- Follow up if you don’t hear back quickly
The 30-Day Rule: Miss this deadline, and you could lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits forever.
3. Going to the Wrong Doctor
The Mistake: You assume you can see your family doctor or go to your preferred hospital after a work injury.
Why It Hurts You: Under Florida’s workers’ compensation system, your employer chooses your doctor. If you go somewhere else first, the insurance company might refuse to pay those medical bills.
What To Do Instead:
- Ask your employer for their approved doctor list
- Go to the emergency room only for serious injuries
- Get authorization before seeking additional treatment
- Keep all medical records and receipts
Exception: You can seek emergency treatment anywhere if your injury is life-threatening. Just make sure to follow up with an approved doctor as soon as possible.
4. Not Getting a Second Opinion When You Need One
The Mistake: The company doctor says you’re fine and can return to full duty, but you’re still in pain and can’t do your normal job tasks.
Why It Hurts You: Company doctors sometimes rush workers back to work before they’re ready. This can make your injuries worse and hurt your long-term earning ability.
What To Do Instead:
- You have the right to a one-time change of physician
- Request the change in writing within 30 days
- Get a second opinion if you disagree with treatment
- Document all ongoing symptoms and limitations
Your Rights: Florida law gives you the right to choose from your employer’s approved doctor list, and you can request a change if you’re not satisfied with your treatment.
5. Thinking Workers’ Comp is Your Only Option
The Mistake: You assume workers’ compensation is the only way to get money after a workplace injury.
Why It Hurts You: Workers’ comp often doesn’t cover all your damages, especially pain and suffering. Plus, there might be other parties responsible for your injury.
What To Do Instead:
- Consider if a third party caused your injury
- Look into defective equipment or products
- Check if unsafe conditions were someone else’s fault
- Don’t settle workers’ comp claims too quickly
Third-Party Claims: If a delivery truck hits you in your workplace parking lot, you might have both a workers’ comp claim against your employer and a personal injury claim against the trucking company.
6. Posting About Your Injury on Social Media
The Mistake: You post photos of yourself hiking or playing with your kids while you’re off work with a back injury.
Why It Hurts You: Insurance companies hire investigators to check your social media. They’ll use any photos or posts that show you being active to argue that you’re not really injured.
What To Do Instead:
- Avoid posting on social media during your claim
- Don’t let friends tag you in photos
- Make your profiles private
- Be careful about what you say to neighbors and coworkers
Real Tampa Case: A construction worker posted vacation photos while claiming a knee injury. The insurance company used those photos to cut off his benefits, even though his doctor said he could travel.
7. Trying to Handle Everything Yourself
The Mistake: You think you can navigate the workers’ compensation system alone because it seems straightforward.
Why It Hurts You: Workers’ comp insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize what they pay you. Going it alone puts you at a huge disadvantage.
What To Do Instead:
- Get legal help early in the process
- Don’t sign anything without having it reviewed
- Keep detailed records of everything
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer
Why Experience Matters: We know which doctors give fair evaluations, which insurance companies try to cut corners, and how to maximize your benefits under Florida law.
Red Flags That Mean You Need Legal Help Now
Some situations require immediate legal attention:
Call a Lawyer If:
- Your claim gets denied or delayed
- The insurance company stops paying benefits
- You’re pressured to return to work too soon
- Your employer retaliates against you for filing a claim
- You have permanent injuries or disabilities
- A third party might be responsible for your injury
Tampa’s Most Dangerous Workplaces
Certain industries in our area see more serious injuries:
High-Risk Industries:
- Construction sites throughout Hillsborough County
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Manufacturing plants in Tampa’s industrial areas
- Healthcare facilities dealing with lifting injuries
- Restaurants and retail with slip and fall hazards
What Your Workplace Injury Case is Really Worth
Florida workers’ compensation covers:
Medical Benefits:
- All necessary medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medical equipment and devices
Wage Replacement:
- Temporary total disability benefits
- Temporary partial disability benefits
- Permanent impairment benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation if needed
Additional Compensation:
- Third-party personal injury claims
- Social Security disability benefits
- Employer-provided disability insurance
Don’t Let Them Work You Over
Getting hurt at work is stressful enough without having to fight insurance companies for the benefits you deserve. Avoid these costly mistakes, and you’ll be in a much better position to get fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Tampa, don’t try to handle it alone. The workers’ compensation system is designed to be confusing, and insurance companies count on you making mistakes.
Your consultation is completely free, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case. You have two years to protect your rights, so don’t wait. Check with Chris.
Call Chris Ligori & Associates at 813-223-2929 today for your free consultation.
This article does not constitute legal advice, and the reader should contact an attorney for advice on their specific case.
