What Should a Worker Do After Getting Injured on the Job in Florida?

Workplace injuries happen more frequently than most people realize. In Florida, thousands of workers suffer job-related injuries annually across various industries. Whether you work in construction, healthcare, retail, or an office environment, an unexpected injury can disrupt your life and livelihood.

When you get hurt on the job in Florida, your actions immediately afterward can determine the speed of your recovery and your ability to receive proper compensation. Understanding the correct procedures to follow can mean the difference between a smooth claims process and unnecessary complications.

In this guide, our experienced workers' compensation attorneys will walk you through the essential steps to take if you have been injured at work in Florida. We will cover everything from seeking immediate medical attention to reporting your injury properly.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

The moments following a workplace injury can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, swift and decisive action is crucial for both your physical recovery and the success of your subsequent workers' compensation claim. Here are the steps you should take:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health should always be your top priority. Seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible after becoming injured. For severe injuries, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For less urgent injuries, it is still important to get prompt medical attention.

In Florida, your employer generally has the right to select a healthcare provider for your initial treatment. The company should have a list of authorized providers posted in a common area. If you are unsure about which doctor to see, ask your supervisor or human resources department.

When receiving medical care, clearly inform the provider that your injury is work-related. Give a detailed account of how the injury occurred and describe all of your symptoms thoroughly. This will create an official medical record establishing the connection between your duties and the injury, which is vital even for seemingly minor injuries, which could worsen over time.

Report the Injury to Your Employer

Florida law requires that you report a workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident or within 30 days of when you first discovered the injury. However, it is best to report the injury as soon as possible.

Ideally, you should report your injury in writing to create a concrete record. Include detailed information about the date, time, and location of the incident, how the injury occurred, which body parts were affected, the names of any witnesses, and when you first sought medical attention.

Even if your supervisor witnessed your injury, you should still submit a formal report. Keep a copy of this report for your records. Under Florida law, your employer then has seven days to report your injury to their workers' compensation insurance provider.

Document Everything

From the moment you become injured, start keeping thorough records of everything related to your injury and recovery. Take photos of your injuries, if they are visible, along with images of the accident scene and any equipment involved. If possible, gather contact information from witnesses who saw the incident occur.

Maintain a comprehensive file of all medical records and bills related to your injury. Keep track of all expenses incurred as a result of your condition, including transportation costs to medical appointments. Consider starting a journal that chronicles your symptoms, pain levels, and recovery progress.

Document all communications with your employer and the insurance company, noting the date, time, and content of these interactions. Also, record any time missed from work due to your injury, as this information will be essential for calculating your wage loss benefits.

Understanding Your Rights Under Florida Workers' Compensation Law

Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. In Florida, most employers with four or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.

The workers' compensation system operates on a "no-fault" basis, meaning you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent to receive benefits. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, you generally waive the right to sue your employer for the injury.

Workers' compensation coverage typically begins on your first day of employment and applies regardless of who was at fault for the injury. While most employees are covered, independent contractors generally are not (though misclassification is common). Both full-time and part-time workers are entitled to benefits under the system.

Benefits Available to Injured Workers

If you have been hurt on the job in Florida, you may be entitled to several types of benefits as outlined in the following table:

What If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

Unfortunately, workers' compensation claims are sometimes denied. Claims might be rejected due to:

• Missed reporting deadlines
• Disputes about whether the injury is work-related
• Disagreements about the severity of the injury
• Questions about pre-existing conditions

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal through a structured process. This begins with filing a petition for benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims.

Following this filing, you will participate in a mediation conference aimed at resolving the dispute. If mediation proves unsuccessful, your case will proceed to a formal hearing before a judge, who will make a final determination.

Working with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney throughout this process can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Legal representation can ensure that all procedural requirements are met and that your case is presented effectively.

Michles & Booth: Trusted Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

While not every workplace injury requires the services of an attorney, having dependable legal counsel can be incredibly valuable in many situations. Representation is particularly important if your claim has been denied, you have suffered a severe or permanent injury, or your employer disputes that the injury happened at work.

At Michles & Booth we understand the challenges injured workers in Florida face. Our capable team, which includes a trained medical doctor familiar with workplace injuries, excels at handling workers' compensation claims and is ready to help you pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don’t Be A Victim Twice™. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.