Tampa Work Injury Lawyers

Occupational Disease Claims

Another type of Florida workers’ compensation claim involves an occupational disease. This is a medical condition caused by your job, but not necessarily one incident, like a fall or accident with a piece of industrial equipment. Examples of occupational diseases include carpal tunnel syndrome, hearing impairment or arthritis.

Occupational diseases often qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, but you must show that your job was the primary cause of your condition. You are going to need medical records showing the development of this condition and an explanation of how your work tasks caused it to progress.

What If I Was Injured Offsite?

If you were performing work-related duties outside of your traditional workplace, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Offsite injuries that are often covered include those that happen during an offsite training or on a trip. However, injuries during a commute to or from work are generally not covered. That said, if you were transporting supplies or equipment needed to do your job, you might have a valid workers’ compensation claim.

What Are the Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

If you get injured at work, the workers’ compensation system should cover all reasonable and necessary medical care. Unlike a personal injury claim, these expenses are paid as you accrue them and not reimbursed later.

Common examples of medical expenses covered by workers’ compensation include:

• Surgery
• Stays at the hospital
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Testing
• Follow-up appointments
• Cost of a wheelchair or prosthetics
• And more

Workers’ compensation also covers disability/wage loss. However, you will not receive compensation for the first seven days of disability unless you are disabled for more than 21 days.

The value of your disability benefits depends on the severity of your injuries:

• Temporary Partial Disability Benefits: If you are able to return to work in some capacity while you recover, you can receive these benefits for a maximum of 104 weeks. These benefits are worth up to 80 percent of the wages you earned prior to your injury.
• Temporary Total Disability Benefits: Those who cannot work while they recover are eligible for 66.66 percent of average weekly wages. Injuries like blindness or paralysis may qualify for 80 percent of regular wages for up to six months.
• Permanent Total Disability Benefits: Once you reach maximum medical improvement, your doctor can determine if you are no longer able to work. You can receive compensation worth 66.66 percent of your average weekly wages until you turn 75.
• Death Benefits: If your loved one died in a work accident, surviving family members are eligible for financial compensation for the funeral and burial and the workers’ lost wages.

Our Tampa work injury lawyers know how critical these benefits are after a work injury. Our priority is to secure all the benefits you need, whether you are able to continue working in some capacity or not.

Can I Appeal If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied?

Yes, you can appeal if your claim was denied, or you are not receiving all the benefits you think you deserve. The first step in an appeal is filing a Petition for Benefits. This must be done within two years of when you were injured. An appeals board will review your petition and notify the insurance company, which gets two weeks to respond.

Then the appeal moves to mediation. If this is unsuccessful, there will be hearing before a workers’ compensation judge.

You are going to need a strong case to overturn the denial or underpayment of your claim. Our Tampa work injury lawyers have the resources and experience to help you gather the relevant evidence. We can also represent you at mediation and appeal hearings.

Workplace Injuries That Often Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Florida

If you suffered any of the following injuries while at work, you may qualify for workers’ compensation.

• Sprains and Strains: Often resulting from lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or slips and falls, these injuries can affect muscles and tendons, causing pain and limited mobility.
• Fractures: Broken bones from falls, impacts or accidents involving machinery, can lead to considerable time away from work and may require extensive medical treatment.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Common in workplaces with sharp tools or machinery, these injuries can range from minor cuts needing stitches to severe wounds requiring surgical intervention.
• Burns: Resulting from exposure to heat, chemicals or electricity, burns often require immediate medical attention and can have long-term effects on the victim’s health and quality of life.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Caused by continuous motion or pressure on certain body parts, RSIs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, develop over time and can severely affect motor skills and function.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These serious injuries, often caused by falls or being struck by objects, can have lasting impacts on cognitive and physical abilities, requiring comprehensive medical care.
• Hearing Loss: Long-term exposure to loud machinery in environments such as manufacturing or construction can lead to permanent hearing damage.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of harmful fumes, dust or chemicals at the workplace can cause chronic respiratory problems that may affect your lungs.
• Occupational Diseases: Long-term exposure to hazardous substances or environments can lead to illnesses such as mesothelioma, silicosis and other job-related diseases that develop over time and significantly impact health.