Your Responsibilities When Filing a Florida Workers’ Compensation Claim

When you are injured at work you may need to file a Florida Workers' Compensation claim to help bear the burden of your medical bills and time off from your job. When a serious injury creates substantial medical bills, lost wages, and the potential for permanent disability the Workers' Compensation insurance your employer carries will step in to fill those needs so long as you follow the proper procedures.

Immediately Report When You Are Injured At Work

A Florida Workers' Compensation claim will be considered invalid if you wait too long to report that you were injured at work to your employer. The statute of limitations on injuries in the workplace is 30 days from the date you were injured at work or the date the illness was diagnosed. The Florida statute of limitations for general injury is 2 years, so you may be able to argue a delay in reporting up to that time with the help of an experienced Jacksonville Workers' Compensation lawyer.

It is always best to immediately report any injury or work-related illness to preserve the validity of your claim. Delay in reporting can raise suspicions about how serious your injury or illness is. You are responsible for maintaining communication with your employer about your condition as it will help them deal with their Workers' Compensation insurance company when filing your Florida Workers' Compensation claim.

Filing Your Florida Workers' Compensation Claim

Once you have reported your injury at work to your employer you will need to follow up with them in completing the Medical Treatment/Status Reporting form (DWC25) and continue to do so for each follow up medical appointment. You should keep your employer informed of all treatment and doctor notices regarding when you are able to return to work.

Along with communicating with your employer regarding your recovery from your injury or illness, you have a responsibility to communicate with the Workers' Compensation insurance carrier. They may contact you directly to review the details provided to them on the First Report of Injury or Illness form (DWC1) that your employer submitted.

Depending on the nature of your injury at work and the details in your Florida Workers' Compensation claim you may have several other forms and documents to provide. Make sure you return them in a timely manner to avoid delay on your claim, and if you are ever in doubt of what is going on with your case, a Jacksonville Workers' Compensation lawyer can help.

Contacting a Jacksonville Workers' Compensation Lawyer

The Workers' Compensation lawyers at Sullivan & Hepler understand that you have questions regarding your Florida Workers' Compensation claim. We have your answers. Before you hire an attorney or file your claim, order this free consumer guide How Florida Workers' Compensation Works: 5 Things Every Injured Worker Needs to Know for more information about how to build a strong claim. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.