At the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, you can find an on the job injury lawyer West Palm Beach workers turn to when they need to protect their rights. If you are an injured worker and feel you are being treated unfairly, talk to an on the job injury lawyer in West Palm Beach from our firm. We have helped many injured workers recover the financial compensation they deserve after suffering workplace injuries.
Workers’ Compensation As a Solution
Workers’ compensation benefits can potentially cover the accident-related costs of people who are injured on the job. The rules surrounding workers’ compensation monetary distributions help ensure employees who were injured are able to recover. However, there are still some challenges when seeking this remedy. Here are some common problems you may run into and how we may be able to help:
- The workers’ compensation insurance company denied your claim, and as a result refuses to pay you benefits. An on the job injury lawyer West Palm Beach workers rely on from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt can review your claim and fight for your rights.
- Your employer denied your claim. They may have accused you of faking your injury, getting injured intentionally, or one of any other reasons for a denial. An on the job injury lawyer West Palm Beach employees hire may be able to make a case for the validity of your claim. If your employer still refuses to honor your claim, your attorney can file a lawsuit if necessary. Very often this possibility is all that is necessary to encourage your company to approve your claim or else settle out of court.
- A third-party caused your injury. An on the job injury lawyer West Palm Beach locals work with can investigate the circumstances of your accident. If their conclusion is that your accident costs are not fully covered by workers’ compensation, they may determine that litigation is your best option. A lawsuit can encourage the at-fault party to agree to a settlement if they wish to avoid court costs and the possibility of losing in court. If a trial becomes necessary, your attorney from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt can fight for your rights.
Getting the Most Out of Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you were injured on the job, you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you pay your bills until you’re able to get back on your feet. However, many injured workers don’t understand their rights and make costly mistakes during the workers’ compensation claims process. Don’t let this happen to you. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your workers’ compensation claim:
Notify Your Employer Immediately
It’s important to tell your boss about your injury as soon as possible. All states require to give notice about their injuries by a certain deadline. If you don’t report your injury by this deadline, you likely won’t be eligible to receive benefits.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay after your workplace accident, you should still see a doctor right away. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and you don’t want to take any chances with your health. A doctor can assess your injuries and determine the best possible treatment. If you wait too long to seek medical care, the insurance company may assume that you really aren’t as injured as you say you are and deny your claim.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
It’s not enough to go to the doctor to get examined. You also must follow the treatment plan your doctor suggested. For example, if your doctor recommended physical therapy, it’s important for you to attend all your appointments. Not following your doctor’s advice can delay your recovery time and negatively affect your workers’ compensation claim. The insurance company may argue that you aren’t that badly injured if you’re not following your treatment plan.
Be Careful About What You Post on Social Media
When you’re in the middle of applying for workers’ compensation benefits, your employer’s insurance company will pay close attention to your actions. They may even try to find you on social media. If you post something that suggests you aren’t as injured as you claim to be, the insurance company may use that against you.
Hire a West Palm Beach on the Job Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in the workplace, it’s in your best interest to work with a reputable West Palm Beach on the job injury lawyer. Workers’ compensation claims can get complicated and you want someone with knowledge and experience on your side. A lawyer can help you file your claim in a timely manner and ensure your legal rights are protected.
At Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, we know how difficult it is to deal with a work injury. We have helped hundreds of people obtain workers’ compensation and are here to help you. We encourage you to call us today to set up a free consultation.
Can You Be Fired for Filing Workers’ Comp?
If you were recently injured while working, you probably have a lot on your mind. It is natural to worry about how well you will recover, how you will pay for your treatment, whether you will be able to continue working, and whether your job is safe enough for you to return to it. A common worry that many people have is whether they will be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim. In a perfect world, this would not be something that crosses anyone’s mind, but we do not live in a perfect world. Learn the truth about this matter.
Your Legal Protection
It is completely illegal, across the entire United States, for an employee to be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim. This is considered discrimination, and the law does not take that sort of thing kindly. This is the exact same reason you cannot be fired for your sex or ethnicity. Likewise, it is the legal requirement for every employer to provide workers’ comp benefits to all employees. This is a right that every employee is entitled to. If your employer refuses to file a workers’ comp claim, or fires you for filing a claim, you will have the opportunity for legal recourse.
It is important to note that while you cannot be fired as punishment for filing a workers’ comp claim, you can be fired for other reasons while out on workers’ comp. Just because you are injured, it does not mean your job is invincible. This is especially true in at-will employment states.
At-Will Employment
Certain states have something called at-will employment. This essentially means:
- Any employee can quit any job at any time without explanation or prior notice
- Any employer can fire an employee at any time without explanation or prior notice
If you live and work in an at-will employment state, then an employer does not need to give you a reason to fire you. However, this does not mean that employers have a free pass when it comes to discrimination. It is still illegal for the reason behind a termination to be due to filing a workers’ comp claim. However, it is more difficult to prove that this was your employer’s intention because he or she is not required to tell you what the reason for termination is. If you suspect you were illegally fired, however, you should speak with a workers’ comp attorney immediately. A legal professional will be able to tell you if your rights were violated.
A West Palm Beach on the Job Injury Lawyer Who Cares
If you have been injured on the job, you may feel as if you have no resources and nowhere to turn. Don’t despair. We offer injured workers a free and confidential consultation during which you can discover your legal options. Do not suffer in silence. An on the job injury lawyer West Palm Beach turns to from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt can help you recover maximum benefits; call us today for a free consultation.
