WORKERS' COMPENSATION
GENERAL FACTS AND INFORMATION

It is not necessary for you to give the workers' compensation carrier a recorded statement about your accident. We would recommend that you tell theg adjuster that you do not want your conversations with them recorded at any time.

MEDICAL EXPENSES

Generally, if the insurance company does not dispute your claim, it will pay all of the medical bills for the doctors, prescriptions, and medical facilities that the insurance company approved and agreed to pay. You may have medical care for problems related to the accident paid by the insurance company for the rest of your life as long as you go to your authorized doctor for your work related injury at least 1 time every year.

You are also entitled to have the insurance company pay you mileage for going to and from the doctor. You must write down the miles you travel and send it to the insurance company for them to pay it. (Keep a copy) Workers' Compensation ONLY pays for AUTHORIZED medical care. Care must be authorized by the workers' compensation carrier prior to your going to the doctor or they may not have to pay the bills.

If you get any medical bills from your doctor or from the hospital, send them directly to the workers' compensation carrier.

You may be entitled to a second medical opinion, but you should always make your request in writing and keep a copy of what you send to the adjuster. You may not be allowed to pick your doctor as the adjuster must give authorization before you can go to a new doctor.

LOST WAGES

If you miss more than one week of work because of your accident, you may be entitled to be paid for lost time at 66 & 2/3% of your average weekly wage prior to your date of accident.

We always recomend that you keep all your pay stubs as it is the only proof you have of how much money you made each pay period. With your pay stubs, we can tell you how much money the insurance company should be paying you.

When your doctor tells you, us, or the insurance company that you are as good as you are going to get or at Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), you may be entitled to some additional benefits. At that time we can tell you how much the insurance company is responsible to pay. It is also at this time that settlemnet of your case is a possibility.

SETTLEMENT

Your case may be able to be settled once you reach the point in your medical care where the dcotor tells you that he can not make you any better and to come back when you feel it is necessary. In other words, when the doctor discharges you. This settlement usually releases the insurance company from ever having to pay any more money or medical bills on your case.

All settlement amounts depend directly upon your average weekly wage, your age, your education, your past work history, the extent of your injury and disability, your future medical care needs, and the permenant impairment rating as determined by your doctor. With this information, we can tell you how much your case is worth.

Always keep a copy of everything that you mail to the workers' compensation carrier and write the date you mailed it on your copy. It is the only way to prove what you sent and when you sent it.

The Workers' Compensation laws in Florida are UNFAIR. You are not allowed to receive any money in a settlement for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or your loss of ability to go fishing or bowling, etc. Please call and write the Governor and your legislators in Tallahassee and tell them you don't think the workers' compensation laws are fair for the injured worker.

If you have any questions please do not hisitate to email or call us as we will be happy to answer your questions. All initial consultations are FREE.