Is It Worth Getting a Workers’ Comp Attorney?

If you have a workers’ comp claim in Florida, is it worth hiring an attorney to represent you? Or, can you handle your workers’ compensation claim on your own? Can you save money by not hiring an attorney or are your attorneys’ fees money well spent?

Although handling your worker’s comp claim on your own might seem like a good idea, there are actually several reasons why you will want to hire an attorney. Colling Gilbert Wright have substantial experience in a variety of complex workers’ compensation matters. We can help you navigate the claim process and help ensure that you pursue the maximum compensation to which you are entitled under the law.

6 Reasons to Hire a Workers Comp Attorney in Florida 

Here are six examples of why it is worth getting a workers’ compensation attorney if you have suffered a job-related injury or illness in Florida: 

1. Filing a Successful Workers Compensation Claim in Florida is Not Easy 

While filing a workers’ comp claim may seem fairly straightforward, the process is not easy. Not only do you need to have a clear understanding of the steps involved, but you also need to have a clear understanding of your rights under Florida law. If you don’t take all of the necessary steps, or if you don’t know what benefits you are entitled to recover, you don’t stand much of a chance of collecting the full benefits you deserve. 

2. Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim Might Not Be Your Only Option 

If you were injured on the job in Florida, you might be eligible for workers compensation, but this also might not be your only option. If someone else caused your injury, you could have a claim outside of workers comp. This means that you might be entitled to additional compensation—but, in order to find out, you will need to hire an attorney to thoroughly assess your legal rights. 

3. Common Mistakes Can Prevent You from Securing Benefits 

Do you know how long you have to file your claim? Do you know whether you are allowed to see your own doctor? Do you know when you become eligible for disability benefits? If your answer to any of these questions is, “No,” you run the risk of making mistakes that could jeopardize your claim for benefits. An attorney can help you avoid these mistakes while doing everything that is necessary to seek the maximum available workers’ compensation benefits on your behalf. 

4. Your Attorney May Be Able to Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement 

Under Florida’s workers’ comp law, injured workers who file successful claims will receive periodic benefit payments. But, what if you need more money upfront? An attorney may be able to negotiate a lump-sum settlement so that you can secure the financial resources you need (and so that you won’t have to wonder if your benefit payments will keep coming through). 

5. Your Employer’s Insurance Company Might Stop Paying Prematurely 

Filing a claim for workers compensation benefits is just the start of the process. If you don’t hire an attorney to negotiate a settlement, you will need to make sure you continue receiving the payments you are rightfully owed. If your employer’s insurance company attempts to terminate your benefits prematurely, you will want an attorney on your side to make sure you receive all of the benefits to which you are legally entitled. 

6. You Only Get One Chance to File for Workers’ Compensation in Florida 

When you get injured on the job in Florida, you only get one chance to file for workers comp benefits. If you run out of time, if you file a claim and don’t follow through, or if you fail to challenge a denial on appeal, you won’t be able to collect benefits for your injury. An Orlando workers compensation attorney can take advantage of the one chance you have—and use his or her experience to exhaust all available options for securing the benefits you are owed. 

Discuss Your Claim with an Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Free

If you would like more information about how an Orlando workers’ comp attorney can help you, contact Colling Gilbert Wright today. Call (407) 712-7300 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation 24/7. We serve clients from Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and other areas in Florida.