Should You Contact a Lawyer for an On the Job Injury?

If you suffered an on-the-job injury, you may be unsure of where or whom to turn to next. Job-related injuries are common – and they can be expensive – so if you have questions about filing a claim, you are not alone.

After a workplace injury, it is critical to know whether or not to hire an attorney. The best way to know if a lawyer can help your case is to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced workers’ comp attorney.

The Orlando workers’ compensation lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright have helped injured workers throughout Florida for years. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, so there is no risk in discussing the merits of your case with an attorney. At your complimentary initial consultation, we will listen to the details of your case and explain your rights and legal options.

7 Reasons to Contact a Lawyer for an On the Job Injury

The simple answer is that if you are dealing with an on-the-job injury, you have no reason not to contact a lawyer. Here are seven reasons why: 

1. It Costs Nothing to Find Out if You Have a Claim

The first (and simplest) reason to contact a lawyer if you have suffered an on-the-job injury is that it costs nothing. A reputable lawyer who represents injured workers will provide a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights. In addition to explaining your rights, your lawyer can also answer any questions you may have, and your lawyer can explain what you need to do (and not do) in order to seek financial compensation. 

2. You May Have a Workers’ Compensation Claim 

Many workers who suffer on-the-job injuries in the Orlando area are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Under Florida law, these benefits are available to eligible employees on a “no fault” basis. This means that no proof of fault is necessary. If your employer provides workers’ compensation coverage (which is mandatory for most employers in Florida), you are an eligible employee, and you got injured while doing your job, a lawyer can help you file a claim. 

3. You May Have a Claim Outside of Workers’ Compensation 

In addition to workers’ compensation claims, injured workers will often have claims outside of workers’ compensation as well. While employers that provide workers’ compensation coverage are immune from personal injury lawsuits in most cases, you may be able to file a claim outside of workers’ compensation if:

• You are not eligible for workers’ compensation;
• A company other than your employer (i.e. a contractor, subcontractor, or property owner) is responsible for your on-the-job injury;
• You were injured in an auto accident while driving on the job; or, 
• You work in the maritime industry or another industry in which standard workers’ compensation rules do not apply. 

4. Filing Any Type of Claim Is Not Easy

Regardless of how you need to seek compensation for your on-the-job injury, filing a successful claim won’t be easy. In fact, without a lawyer representing you, there is almost no chance that you will receive the full compensation you deserve—especially outside of workers’ compensation. 

5. You Need to Know How Much to Seek for Your On-the-Job Injury

When filing a claim for an on-the-job injury, you need to know how much compensation you are entitled to recover. For example, if you have a workers’ compensation claim, you need to make sure you seek full:

• Medical benefits
• Temporary disability benefits (total or partial)
• Permanent disability benefits (total or partial)
• Physical and vocational rehabilitation benefits 

If you have a claim outside of workers’ compensation, you could be entitled to a much larger financial recovery. An experienced lawyer will be able to seek appropriate compensation for your lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses. 

6. A Lawyer May Be Able to Help You Obtain a Settlement Instead of Weekly Benefits

By default, employees in Florida who file successful workers’ compensation claims will receive weekly benefits. But, it will often be more advantageous for injured employees to obtain lump-sum settlements. Negotiating a settlement allows you to collect all of your benefits upfront, and it avoids the risk of your employer (or its insurance company) terminating your benefits prematurely. 

7. You Need to Be Careful to Protect Your Legal Rights

Finally, regardless of what legal rights you have, you need to be very careful to protect them. When you have a claim for an on-the-job injury, mistakes can be extremely costly. When you hire a lawyer, your lawyer will help you avoid costly mistakes while fighting to secure maximum compensation on your behalf. 

Contact an Orlando Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Free

If you would like to know more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer for an on-the-job injury, we invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Colling Gilbert Wright.

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To speak with an experienced lawyer at our Orlando offices in confidence, contact us online or at  (800) 766-1000 today.