Goldberg & Dohan LLP
2020 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Suite 1105B
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: 305-536-3400
Email: rdohan@goldbergdohan.com
Website: http://www.goldbergdohan.com
facebook.com/GoldbergDohanLLP
Understanding Workers’ Compensation: A Brief Overview
According
to the United
States Department of Labor,
The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs administers four major disability
compensation programs, which provide wage replacement benefits, medical
treatment, vocational rehabilitation and other benefits. These benefits are
given to certain workers or their dependents, if they have experienced
work-related injury or occupational disease. The programs vary from state-to-state.
If you
have been injured at work or are suffering from a work-related illness, it is
advisable that you retain an experienced and competent attorney. This is more
so if your injury or illness is severe enough to cause physical or mental impairment
that changes your ability to work. At Goldberg
and Dohan, we
are strong advocates for workers and will ensure that you receive all the
medical care and workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
What Does Workers’ Compensation
Cover?
Under the workers’ compensation
program, all work-related injuries or illnesses are covered. While not an
exhaustive list, some of the common claims are made because of the following
conditions:
- Injuries
that occur while on business-related travel.
- Sudden
accidents such as falling off scaffolding.
- Long-term
injuries such as computer-related repetitive stress injuries (RSIs),
chronic back problems etc.
- Illness
due to exposure to work site chemicals, radiation or pollution.
- Conditions
that arise due to work-related stress such as heart conditions or
digestive problems.
- Fires
and explosions.
- Factory
or agricultural accidents.
For a specific case, it is best to
refer to an attorney, who can assist you with your queries and the claims
procedures.
What is Not Covered by Workers’
Compensation?
There are certain situations that do
not warrant immediate coverage. These include the following:
- Felony-related injuries.
- Self-inflicted injuries or
those arising from a fight at the workplace.
- Drug or alcohol-related
injuries.
- Injuries resulting from
violation of company policy.
- Injuries suffered off the
job or sustained after an employee has been terminated.
- If the person making the
claim is an independent contractor.
When
Do You Need an Attorney?
If you
are in the following situations, you should hire an attorney, who specializes in workers’
compensation cases.
·
Your medical costs are not fully met
or denied.
·
You require surgery because of your
workplace injury.
·
If you need “permanent partial
disability” benefits because your doctor finds that you cannot return to full
health.
·
You cannot work full time at any job.
·
You have pre-existing conditions or
disabilities.
·
Your claim has been denied or if you
are receiving partial benefits.
·
Your employer is disputing the
decision made by your state workers’ compensation department.
·
You do not understand the ins and
outs of the process.
Workers’
compensation claims can be tedious and complex processes. This is more so if
you are in dispute with your employer or their insurance company. Since the
dispute process involves dense legalese and convoluted proceedings, it is
imperative that you retain a trusted legal team, who will fairly represent your interests.
