Clearwater Workers Compensation Lawyer

Ideally, the process of pursuing benefits through a workers' compensation claim after a workplace illness or injury in Clearwater should be simple. The process sounds easy enough. In reality, many victims in workers' compensation cases require the assistance of an experienced Clearwater workers' compensation lawyer to receive the compensation they deserve.

Many employees believe if you are injured or become ill on the job and you are unable to work, you only need to file a claim for benefits and wait for adequate compensation. Available compensation may include time off, financial compensation for medical care, and even disability benefits. Unfortunately, all too often, ill and injured employees in Clearwater face an uphill battle when it comes to pursuing workers' comp benefits. This straightforward process quickly becomes complicated when those responsible for paying compensation attempt to dodge their legal duty.  Our goal is to ensure your rights are protected while we zealously pursue a claim in accordance with worker's compensation coverage.

Injured Workers Have Important Rights

Chapter 440 of the Florida Statutes is also known as Florida's Workers' Compensation Act.  Pursuant to this Statute, an injured worker is entitled to a number of benefits regardless of fault of the employer.  These include permanent disability benefits and even permanent partial disability benefits for individuals who have sustained a permanent work related injury but can still perform certain vocational tasks.  The Workers' Compensation Act also provides for $7500 of death benefits that can pay for funeral expenses, support for dependents or educational benefits to the surviving spouse of a deceased worker.

We routinely represent Clearwater workers and Pinellas County residents who were denied their workers comp claims.  However, we strongly believe it is in the best interests of a work injury victim to retain legal counsel shortly after their injury.  

A Dedicated and Compassionate Clearwater Workers' Compensation Attorney at Dolman Law Group Can Help You Recover Benefits

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our Clearwater personal injury team boasts a stellar group of knowledgeable workers' compensation attorneys who assist numerous clients on a daily basis. We understand how difficult it can be to untangle the complex web of laws that surround workers' comp—and we want to help you pursue the benefits that you deserve.

If you or a loved one have sustained an illness or injury in the workplace, you have the right to take full advantage of Florida's workers' compensation system. If anyone tells you otherwise—whether it's your employer or another party—they may be trying to keep you from the assistance that you deserve.

In fact, after suffering a Clearwater or Pinellas County work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation pursuant to the workers' compensation process. Contact our Clearwater office for a FREE consultation and case review where you can get to know our team and our attorneys can become more familiar with your case.

During our confidential meeting, we'll answer your questions so you can determine whether it is in your best interests to partner with us on your unique case. At Dolman Law Group, we handle workers' comp cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won't owe us any legal fees unless and until you receive payment.

Our Clearwater Workers' Compensation Lawyers Understand the Complexities of Florida Work Comp Laws

Florida State's Workers' Compensation Program is meant to serve as an avenue through which injured or ill employees (who sustained injury or illness in the workplace) may pursue and receive benefits. These benefits are explicitly intended to account for any medical expenses or lost wages caused by the injury or illness in question. There are several laws that victims of workplace illness and injury should keep in mind as they wade into the workers' compensation system. Unfortunately, the system was designed to benefit the state and employers more than employees. The good news is that a skilled workers' comp attorney can assist you in pursuing compensation regardless of unfortunate circumstances such as:

• The insurance company's freedom to select your doctorInsurance companies intentionally select employer-friendly doctorsYou may receive inadequate or incomplete care to force you to return to work sooner
• Time limits on reportingYou only have thirty days following your date of injury to report the incident
• Time limits on receiving workers' compensation checksThe state wants to get you back to work—not to help you feel better. You can only collect workers' compensation benefits until your doctor releases you to work (which can be far too soon)
• A lack of job protection guaranteeYour employer does not have to give you your job back when you return to work

Common Job Injuries  

Are You at Risk of Workplace Illness or Injury?

Yes. Whether you believe it or not, any individual in any occupation has the potential to experience a workplace illness or injury. Even the most sedentary office worker could slip on a wet floor on their way out of an employee restroom or have heavy work materials fall on their heads. It's undeniable that some occupations pose less risk of injury than others, but no position is free from risk.

Of course, there are some fields of employment that present an obviously increased risk for employees. These include oil and natural gas production, construction, and other physically-demanding and dangerous jobs. It's tough to deny that the average warehouse worker faces more danger at work than the average paralegal. Still, any individual can be injured at work, and every injured worker deserves appropriate compensation.

Workers' compensation does not just assist employees who have been injured in the workplace. The system is also designed to compensate workers for occupational illnesses. Examples of these illnesses, which stem from on-the-job exposure, include:

• Black lung disease (associated with exposure to coal dust)
• Asbestosis (caused by exposure to asbestos)
• Chemical poisoning
• AIDS or HIV (often encountered by medical or other staff)

Yes. Whether you believe it or not, any individual in any occupation has the potential to experience a workplace illness or injury. Even the most sedentary office worker could slip on a wet floor on their way out of an employee restroom or have heavy work materials fall on their heads. It's undeniable that some occupations pose less risk of injury than others, but no position is free from risk.

Of course, there are some fields of employment that present an obviously increased risk for employees. These include oil and natural gas production, construction, and other physically-demanding and dangerous jobs. It's tough to deny that the average warehouse worker faces more danger at work than the average paralegal. Still, any individual can be injured at work, and every injured worker deserves appropriate compensation.

Workers' compensation does not just assist employees who have been injured in the workplace. The system is also designed to compensate workers for occupational illnesses. Examples of these illnesses, which stem from on-the-job exposure, include:

• Black lung disease (associated with exposure to coal dust)
• Asbestosis (caused by exposure to asbestos)
• Chemical poisoning
• AIDS or HIV (often encountered by medical or other staff)

Clearwater Workers' Compensation Attorneys Often Deal With Industries That Report More Frequent Injuries and Illness

Some industries are well-known for carrying a particular risk of injury and illness to their employees. In many cases, occupations within these industries present unique dangers to the individuals who perform them. Ten industry occupations topped the charts with the largest number of injuries and illnesses. These occupations accounted for more than a third of total national claims:

• Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers - These individuals accounted for 68,470 illness and injury reports in one year; that's 7.6 percent of total reports across all occupations
• Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers - Truck drivers pursued 49,700 workers' compensation claims, which made up 5.5 percent of total claims
• Janitors and cleaners - Some of any industry's most selfless employees are, unfortunately, the most frequent victims of workplace illness and injury. 35,620 janitors and cleaners pursued workers' compensation in one year, accounting for 4.0 percent of total reports
• Nursing assistants - 33,430 nursing assistants filed illness or injury reports through the workers' compensation system
• General maintenance and repair workers - Due to risks presented by heights and unique circumstances, maintenance and repair workers are often injured on the job. They filed a total of 29,370 claims in one recent year. 

The other five occupations, in order from highest to lowest association with workers' compensation claims, are:

• Retail salespersons
• Stock clerks and order fillers
• Registered nurses
• Light truck and delivery service drivers
• Construction laborers

Consult With a Clearwater Workers' Compensation Attorney to Understand Your Potential Benefit Rights

You may be wondering what, exactly, your legally granted workers' compensation benefits will cover. Each state's laws vary slightly and grant workplace illness and injury victims different benefits. Some of the most notable benefits under Florida workers' compensation law include:

• Up to 104 weeks of temporary disability benefits. This includes temporary total and partial disability benefits.
• Medical care. Any costs for an injured employee's workplace illness or injury-related medical care can and should be compensated. This includes doctors' visits, medical tests and treatments, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and physical therapy.
• Impairment benefits.
• Permanent total disability benefits.
• Death benefits.

IMPORTANT TIP: You Must Promptly Report Your Injury to Avoid Losing Workers Comp Benefits

One of the most crucial aspects of any workers' compensation case lies in the victim's timeliness. Unlike some types of claims, which victims may bring years after an incident, workplace injuries must be reported within thirty days. It's important to keep in mind that the earlier you report your accident, the greater your chances of receiving adequate coverage for medical bills and wages.

Your employer should understand federal and state workers' compensation laws. Still, you should not depend on your employer to advise you about your rights and their responsibilities when it comes to your injury claim. After you report your injury, your employer has no more than seven days to report your injury to their insurance company. If your employer tells you otherwise, you'll be well-served by seeking advice from a trustworthy workers' compensation attorney.

Clearwater Workers' Compensation Attorneys Help Workers Seek Benefits For Many Common Injuries

Many different injuries may be covered by workers' compensation insurance. Depending on your workplace's individual location, the nature of your job, and a myriad of other factors, you may be at risk of sustaining a variety of compensable injuries. Understand the unique and individualized risks that your specific position creates. This will allow you to protect yourself from harm better and more clearly understand injuries or illnesses that you do sustain at work.

Some injuries are well-known for their frequent occurrence in workers' compensation cases. These include:

• Hip and leg injuries -These injuries are particularly common due to how easily they happen. If, for example, an employee slips, trips, or falls, it's very likely that they will sustain some injury to their hips or legs. Their leg may be twisted as they fall; they may land on their hip and cause a fracture (broken bones). Many of these injuries can be easily traced to defective work tools or footwear, improper facility maintenance, and slippery flooring
• Catastrophic injuries - This umbrella concept includes a wide variety of injuries. Any injury which leaves an individual permanently and totally disabled (or Partial Total Disability) qualifies as a catastrophic injury in the realm of workers' compensation law. In most cases, victims in workers' comp cases may pursue significant compensation for injuries of this nature. Examples of catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries that leads to paralysis, amputation of appendages, and severe brain injuries.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome - Carpal tunnel syndrome is a prevalent condition regardless of one's employment status. in fact, more than 3 million cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are diagnosed each year. This statistic may cause some employees to second-guess the validity of bringing a claim related to the injury, but make no mistake—carpal tunnel syndrome acquired in the workplace can have serious consequences. Victims may experience numbness, pain, and tingling throughout the impacted hand and arm; some cases may even require surgery.
• Back injury/ Neck Injury - With an increasing percentage of the population performing some form of manual labor in the workplace, it's easy to see why back and neck injuries are common in workers' compensation cases. You don't have to work a physical job to injure your back or neck at work, but manual labor does place individuals at a greater risk of injury. Using improper lifting techniques, falling, and excessive physical activity can all result in damage to the neck and back. Typical back and neck symptoms and diagnosis include disc injuries such as a herniated disc or bulging disc which can result in localized pain or neurological deficit such as radiculopathy or neuropathy.  
• Eye injuries - we tend to see eye injuries sustained most often by machinists and laborers.

What Does Workers' Compensation Cover?

Wages or Wage Benefits - individuals out of work on a Florida work comp claim are entitled to weekly compensation that the Dolman Law Group will help you obtain. Our work comp lawyers will assist with weekly compensation benefits that generally equate to approximately 60-65% of your salary.  

Medical Benefits  - an injured person who sustained said injury at work is entitled to medical benefits under Florida's workers' compensation law.   An injured worker will be provided medical treatment by an approved provider.  Medical treatment includes a hospital stay, medication, surgery and physical therapy.  Our workers' compensation lawyers will assist with ensuring your medical treatment is covered or finding you an approved provider by the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation. 

Durable Medical Equipment  - a job injury resulting in the need for a walker, wheelchair, oxygen equipment, crutches or other durable medical equipment are covered under workers comp. Hence, why it is essential to start the claims process as soon as possible.  

Trust Dolman Law Group to be Your Clearwater Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Some legal professionals won't work with individuals from certain occupations who have workers' compensation claim needs. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our team will never turn away clients based on their industry or type of employment. Each Clearwater workers' compensation lawyer proudly serves employees from a broad range of jobs.

If you or a loved one need legal assistance with a workers' compensation claim, call us at (727) 451-6900 or fill out our simple online form for a free initial consultation. During this confidential meeting, we will answer all your questions related to the workers' compensation claim process so you can understand how our legal team can provide the best and most advantageous legal services for your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve following a workplace injury.

Why Choose Dolman Law Group

Dolman Law Group is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm based in Pinellas County with offices in Clearwater and St. Petersburg.  Further, our firm serves all of Tampa Bay with additional office locations in Tampa and New Port Richey.  As of date, Dolman Law Group has recovered over $300 million for injury victims. In fact, many other personal injury law firms have us assist on their biggest or most complicated cases.

Stan Gipe is an experienced injury lawyer and is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a Civil Trial Attorney.  This designation connotes that Stan is considered an expert in litigating and trying serious injury claims before a jury. Has has now represented over 6000 injury clients since commencing his career.  Stan runs the litigation department at Dolman Law Group and heads a team of attorneys that zealously represent injury victims throughout Florida.

Matthew Dolman is the Managing Partner of Dolman Law Group.  He is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving claims in excess of $1,000,000.00 and $2,000,000.00 on respective individual cases.  Matt has been selected multiple times by his colleagues (fellow members of the Florida Bar) as one of Florida's Legal Elite as published in Florida Trends Magazine and as a Florida Superlawyer.  

The Dolman Law Group represents injured workers throughout Pinellas County  and more specifically in the following areas; Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Beach, Kenneth City, Gulfport, Treasure Island and many other towns within the greater Tampa Bay Area.

Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
800 N Belcher Rd
Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: (727) 451-6900