All workplaces in Tampa will encounter accidents from time to time which cause injuries to employees. Fortunately anyone injured while at work whether it’s their fault or their employers is usually entitled to workers compensation to cover loss in earnings and medical treatment. Workers’ comp. is compulsory for most employers in Florida. If you have been injured in your workplace you should contact a Tampa workers’ compensation attorney to help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Choosing a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tampa There are 160 workers’ compensation attorneys who are based in and around Tampa. It is always best to find an attorney who is licensed as a Tampa based attorney but also one who specializes in both workers’ compensation and personal injury law. If you only choice after being denied workers’ comp. is to file a personal injury claim, a WC attorney still makes a good choice as they will have had experience dealing with insurers used by employers. Common Injuries at Workplaces in Tampa All workplaces in Tampa have a certain amount of risk attached to working in them, even if it is a slip and fall on a wet floor or tripping over a loose bit of carpeting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that injuries that are non-fatal and those that are fatal take place in the transportation, construction and production industries.* The safe running of a road system is so dependent on drivers following the road rules for the area. If an employee driving a bus or a truck is distracted and runs rear ends a vehicle in front this can cause devastating injuries. Production work takes many different forms but as well as being highly computerized it also uses machinery to complete the production process and this is where injuries are most likely to take place. So often workers aren’t advised on the dangers in the production line and invariably hands or clothing may get caught in machinery causing serious injuries. Electrocution from faulty wiring is a common occurrence as well. The Workers’ Compensation Procedure in Florida The Division of Workers' Compensation is responsible for matters concerning workers’ compensation insurance both in relation to employers and employees. Workers’ compensation in Tampa is a no-fault type of insurance, so if you have a workplace accident you don’t have to prove that your employer was at fault like you would have to do if it was a personal injury claim. If you are injured at work in Tampa, you need to tell your employer within 30 days of the accident and injury taking place and it’s necessary to file a claim with your employer’s insurer within 2 years of the occurrence of the injury. If your workers’ compensation claim is rejected you may feel justified in filing a personal injury claim against your employer. For this you must have proof that your employer was negligent in providing you with a safe workplace. The State of Florida requires that you file the claim within four years of the occurrence of the injury. Florida has moved to an online filing method. You will need your personal injury lawyer to help you ensure the claim is filed correctly. Personal injury claims should be filed with the Hillsborough County Court in N Jefferson St. in Tampa. It is open from 9 – 5, every weekday except for public holidays. Talk with an Attorney Today There are good reasons why you should get experienced legal assistance from a Tampa based licensed workers’ comp. attorney. Because there are so many to choose from, you can use our free evaluation form below to help you select the best attorney to assist you with your claim, whether it is a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim. Remember that there are strict statutes of limitations in Florida that mean you should file your claim with sufficient documentation well within the set time limit, or you may not be able to obtain any compensation at all. Additional Resources Denied Workers' Compensation in Florida? Workers' Compensation in Florida *Source: bls.gov/iif/oshstate.htm#FL
