Sarasota Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
The workers’ compensation system seeks to protect employees who are injured on the job, as well as employers from liability and litigation. While workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured at work regardless of fault, it doesn’t always work this way. Here’s an overview of the Sarasota workers’ compensation claim process – for help filing your claim, negotiating your settlement, or appealing a denied claim, call our Sarasota workers’ compensation claims lawyers directly.
Notify Your Employer
If you are injured on the job, the very first thing that you should do (unless you require emergency care that must be prioritized) is to provide your employer with written notice of your injury. You have 30 days from the date of your accident to provide notice – if you wait longer than this, you could be denied benefits.
Seek Medical Care
If you haven’t already done so, your next step should be to seek medical care. When seeking medical care, be sure to seek care from an approved provider – otherwise, you may have to pay for care out of pocket. When seeking medical care, tell your doctor that the injury is related to a workplace accident. Keep thorough documentation of all care received, and be sure to follow your doctor’s orders.
Report Your Claim to the Insurance Company
Your employer should report your injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company within seven days of receiving notice from you. If they do not, however, you should take it upon yourself to provide notice to start the claims process.
Receive Benefits or File a Petition for Benefits
After your insurer receives notice of your claim, they have a duty to act in a timely manner to either approve or deny your claim. If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving benefits. If your claim is denied, then you can file a petition for benefits directly with the Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman. If this is the case, it is strongly recommended that you seek the representation of an experienced Sarasota workers’ compensation lawyer.
Appeal Your Claim
If you are not happy with a decision made related to your claim, then you maintain the right to appeal by requesting an administrative hearing. During your hearing, you will be able to present evidence to support your case. If your claim is further denied, you can appeal again. Throughout the appeals process, you should seek the counsel of an attorney.
Our Sarasota Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
At the law office of Barbas Nunez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian, our Sarasota workers’ compensation lawyers can help you to bring forth your workers’ compensation claim, prove the connection between the workplace accident and your injuries, and fight for your right to a fair workers’ compensation settlement. We know that when you’ve been injured on the job, you need benefits. Our lawyers are here to support you and advocate for your interests. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
