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Vero Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

At Matheson and Horowitz, our main focus is on helping injured workers secure the compinjensation they need after being hurt on the job. If an injury has forced you to miss work, we understand that paying your bills and providing for your loved ones can be extremely stressful. We are here to guide you through the process and do everything possible under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws to secure the full range of benefits to which you are entitled.

How Workers’ Compensation Works

The Florida Workers’ Compensation Act was designed to be a “no-fault” system that replaces lost wages and medical benefits to employees who are hurt on the job. This means that employers who pay into workers’ compensation insurance are generally immune from lawsuits if an employee is injured at work – even if it is the employer’s fault.

Unfortunately, the workers’ comp process rarely works the way it was designed. Insurance companies frequently delay, deny or undervalue claims, including legitimate ones. The Vero Beach attorneys at Matheson and Horowitz aggressively fight for injured workers, seeing that they recover full compensation for workplace injuries, repetitive trauma and occupational diseases under Florida workers’ compensation law.

Who Is Eligible For Workers’ Comp in Florida?

The vast majority of businesses in Florida are required to carry workers’ comp insurance and provide benefits to injured workers. This includes construction companies with at least one employee, non-construction businesses with at least four employees and agricultural firms with at least six employees. Independent contractors are generally ineligible for workers’ compensation.

For an employee to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, their injuries must have occurred while they were performing work-related duties. Eligible employees include temporary and seasonal workers, brand-new employees and part-time workers. Undocumented immigrant workers are also entitled to benefits for on-the-job injuries.

If your employer denies that you are eligible for workers’ compensation but you believe that you should be covered, it is important to seek legal guidance on the issue right away.

What Types Of Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Comp?

Florida’s workers’ compensation covers a wide variety of injuries, ensuring that workers receive the necessary support and benefits to recover and return to work. Some main categories of injuries include:

Occupational Illnesses And Repetitive Stress Injuries

Occupational illnesses and repetitive stress injuries develop over time due to the nature of the work environment or repetitive tasks. They may include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome: A condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often caused by repetitive motion
Hearing loss: Damage to hearing due to prolonged exposure to loud noises
Respiratory conditions: Illnesses like asthma or chronic bronchitis caused by exposure to harmful substances
Skin disorders: Conditions, such as dermatitis, caused by contact with irritants or allergens

These types of injuries may require ongoing medical attention and can significantly impact a worker’s ability to perform their job.

Traumatic Physical Injuries

Traumatic physical injuries are sudden and severe injuries that occur due to accidents or unsafe working conditions. They include:

Fractures: Broken bones resulting from falls, collisions or heavy lifting
Lacerations: Deep cuts or tears in the skin caused by sharp objects or machinery
Burns: Injuries caused by exposure to heat, chemicals or electricity
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can result in partial or complete paralysis
Amputations: Loss of limbs due to severe injury or surgical removal

Such injuries often necessitate extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation to restore function and quality of life.

Mental And Nervous Injuries

Mental and nervous injuries can result from traumatic events or prolonged, stressful work environments. These include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event
Anxiety disorders: Excessive worry or fear that can interfere with daily activities
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest that affect overall functioning
Work-related stress: Chronic stress caused by job demands and pressures
Emotional trauma: Psychological damage resulting from distressing experiences at work

Whatever your condition, it is important to seek legal guidance to help you pursue compensation for your injuries here in Florida.

We Help With Catastrophic Injuries In Vero Beach

One of the main benefits of working with us at Matheson and Horowitz is that we have extensive experience with catastrophic injuries. These could include spinal cord injuries (SCIs), amputations, burn injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), among many others.

It takes a special attorney to understand how to navigate the benefits and compensation needed for specialized medical equipment and supplies or special accommodations that might be needed in these circumstances. That experience is critical when it comes to fixing a value on your claim. It is also important to explore additional workers’ compensation benefits that may be available to you, such as vocational rehabilitation services.

To properly value a claim, you must consider the long-term costs of your injuries, not just the immediate financial impact. When you come to us, you can count on our experience and knowledge to help you seek the full compensation you really deserve. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have during this difficult time.

Fighting For Maximum Compensation For Injured Workers

While the “no-fault” system may sound fair, it doesn’t erase the risk of disputes between the employer, the injured worker and the workers’ compensation insurer. Disagreements often lead to legal battles regarding what care should be covered, how an injury happened, how much medical care the insurance provider should pay for and many other issues. Some insurance companies will even deny legitimate claims.

We are here to fight for workers facing these situations. There are times when this will be accomplished by going to trial and taking a very tough stand. There will be other times when negotiations or working out an agreement may be in their best interest. The one thing that we always ensure is that we are working with our clients – they are aware of every step of the process and are involved in reaching the outcome that is preferable for them.

Get answers to common questions about workers’ compensation claims.

Get Knowledgeable Workers’ Comp Help Today. Call For A Free Consultation.

Many people think they can handle their workers’ compensation claims on their own, but it costs nothing to get advice and guidance from an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. At Matheson and Horowitz, we offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Please contact our team today at 772-571-4109 to arrange a consultation. Telephone and video consultations are available.