Step 1 – See a Doctor Right Away (and Make Sure They’re Approved)
If you were injured at work, getting medical attention immediately is important. If you’re not seeking emergency care, you must ensure your doctor is an approved provider by your employer or insurance, according to Florida law. If you’re not sure about approved providers, your employer can provide you with information or a list of approved medical providers through their policy.
For example, some of these work-related injuries could be from getting your hand caught in machinery while working at the airport, falling on a Miami construction site site, or experiencing heatstroke while working outside in Little Havana.
If you receive medical care after an injury at work, always tell the doctors your injuries are work-related so they can be noted in your records. If you need emergency or standard medical care in the South Florida or Miami area, some providers are:
- Jackson Health System: With multiple hospitals and medical centers in the Miami area and Doral, Jackson Health can provide emergency and urgent care and connect you with a specialist.
- Baptist Health: Baptist Health has 11 emergency room locations, providing expert medical teams and comprehensive services throughout South Florida.
- Memorial Healthcare System: If you work in the Miami area or the north suburbs, Memorial Healthcare System offers emergency and urgent care, as well as primary care and rehab, from five emergency room locations.
Step 2 – Report the Injury to Your Employer Immediately
Under Florida law, you must report a work-related accident or injury within 30 days. Failing to report within that deadline can jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits, unless a limited exception applies. The law also extends to work-related illnesses that develop gradually, such as respiratory problems, hearing loss, or repetitive stress injuries.
For instance, a PortMiami worker may need to report hearing loss to a supervisor by email, or a hotel employee may need to report a slip-and-fall accident on the job. You should notify your immediate supervisor or HR and create a written record of the incident. While verbal notice is allowed, providing written documentation is stronger evidence for your claim. Keep track of who you reported to, when, and how, since this can protect your timeline if your claim is ever questioned.
Step 3 – Make Sure Your Workers’ Comp Claim Gets Filed
After you inform your employer of your injury, they must notify their insurer within seven days of your report. This begins your claim process, and the insurance adjuster should contact you with a claim number.
If you do not receive any contact after seven days, contact the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation and the Florida Department of Financial Services for assistance. And if you’re concerned your claim isn’t being handled appropriately, contact Payer Law and our team will handle your claim filings to help ensure they are submitted correctly and on time.
Step 4 – Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan and Work Restrictions
After receiving medical care, it’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely. Doing so not only supports your recovery but also helps protect your workers’ compensation benefits.
Your doctor may place you on work restrictions or assign you to light-duty tasks, such as desk work instead of physical labor. Complying with these restrictions at work and at home is essential to keep your claim in good standing.
If you skip appointments, ignore medical instructions, or fail to follow restrictions, your compensation benefits could be delayed, reduced, or even denied.
Step 5 – Document and Gather Evidence for Your Claim
After a work injury, document the accident thoroughly. Take photos or videos of the scene, capture images of your injuries, and save all written communications with your employer and the insurance company.
Keep organized records of medical bills, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, proof of lost wages, and mileage logs for travel related to treatment. If there were witnesses, gather their statements and obtain any accident reports your employer completes.
Any documentation you can collect and maintain from your accident and injuries you received can be used by your Miami workers’ compensation lawyer to fight delays or denials of claims or if your benefits are underpaid.
Step 6 – Watch for Red Flags That Your Claim May Be in Trouble
Injured workers sometimes face problems getting their workers’ compensation benefits, which can put a claim at risk. Common issues include delayed benefit checks, unexpected claim closures, or being asked to undergo an independent medical exam (IME).
If your claim is disputed, the insurance company may require you to attend an IME. The party requesting the exam must cover the cost, and Florida law allows only one IME per accident per party.
When settlement becomes difficult, disputes can be resolved through mediation or hearings before the Florida Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims, which oversees workers’ compensation disputes.
Step 7 – Know When to Call a Miami Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
At Payer Law, our skilled Miami work accident attorney, James D. Payer, has over 30 years of experience assisting injured workers in and around South Florida with workers’ compensation claims.
Recovering from a serious injury can be challenging, especially without legal representation to protect your best interests. If your injury is permanent, you need legal assistance to prioritize yourself and your future.
No matter the circumstances of your case, our legal team is experienced in helping work injury victims after severe or permanent injuries, denied benefits, and pursuing third-party work accident lawsuits in Miami.
We treat every case, no matter how big or small, with all the attention and detail it deserves. As a family-owned business, Payer Law genuinely cares about our clients and is committed to helping them throughout the legal process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Work Injury in Miami
No matter the severity of your injuries, there are a few things you should never do after a work injury.
- Waiting too long to report the Injury: Report your injury immediately, even if it seems small, and be sure to report the injury before 30 days have passed.
- Seeing a non-approved doctor: Unless you need emergency care, be sure you’re receiving care from a pre-approved doctor. If your provider is not pre-approved, your claims can likely be denied.
- Returning to work before being medically cleared: Stay within the restrictions provided by your care provider, even if you’re feeling better from your injury. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders, even if you cannot return to work when you want.
- Posting injury details on social media: Keep any information about your injury off social media, even if it’s just a picture of your injury. Anything you post can be used against you by insurance adjusters.
Contact Payer Law for Help With Your Work Injury Case
Payer Law guarantees you free consultations and no legal fees, unless we’re successful in your case. Florida’s workers’ compensation claims deadlines are strict, and you shouldn’t miss your chance at benefits because you miss a date.
Choosing our firm means direct access to our attorney and the dedicated support of our legal team. Contact Payer Law as soon as possible after your work accident for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7. It Pays To Call Payer.
Call our Miami office today at 305-363-7099 to schedule a free consultation or use our online form.
Miami Resources for Injured Workers
If you were injured on the job in Miami or the surrounding area, Payer Law can guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process. For additional help and assistance, consider:
