If you are injured at work, you may be eligible to collect certain benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. You could also have the right to file a third-party lawsuit, if someone else’s negligence caused your accident. Regardless of the specifics of your case, our Ocala workers’ compensation lawyers are here to protect your rights.
Our Ocala workplace accident lawyers proudly represent victims from all walks of life, and we want to address any questions you may have throughout this process. You have enough to worry about as it is. We want you to feel comfortable and confident knowing that your case is being handled by a team that prioritizes your needs.
Call now for a free consultation with Bogin, Munns & Munns.
Fight for Your Rights With an Ocala Workplace Injury Lawyer With Our Firm
When you work with an Ocala attorney at Bogin, Munns & Munns, our Ocala personal injury lawyers take over your case and give you much-needed time to rest and recuperate. During our four decades of assisting injured workers, we have made it a point to provide legal services that match each client’s specific needs. Some of these services include:
- Offering legal advice
- Negotiating settlements
- Managing communication
- Reviewing your situation to see if you qualify to file a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both
- Determining liability
- Identifying what damages you are eligible for
- Gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses and experts to support your claim
- Litigating your case in the Marion County civil court system as necessary
Let our work injury attorneys in Ocala handle these and other tasks on your behalf so you can focus on recovery and getting your life back to normal.
Located in Ocala for Your Convenience
Our firm has offices located throughout Central Florida, including one right here in Ocala. This allows us to provide prompt service based on our deep, personal knowledge of the local legal system.
You likely have many questions about what your rights are following a work accident. The sooner you reach out to our legal team, the faster we can answer those questions, and the more we may be able to do for you and your family.
To consult with an experienced work injury lawyer serving Ocala
(855) 780-9986
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Workplace Injury Case?
If you file a workers’ compensation claim, Florida law allows you to pursue the following kinds of benefits:
- All medical care related to the workplace accident
- Up to two-thirds of your regular wage
- Long-term payments based on permanent disability
- Reemployment services, if you cannot return to your old job
- Death benefits, if your loved one passed away from their injuries
Our attorneys are proud to help our clients file workers’ comp claims. However, you should know that you cannot collect compensation for your emotional and physical damages through this type of action. You can, however, file a third-party lawsuit against other entities or individuals whose negligence created hazardous situations at work.
Different types of recoverable damages in a personal injury claim or lawsuit include:
- Medical Expenses: While workers’ compensation should pay for all related care, there are some restrictions (e.g., you must see a doctor approved by the insurer). If you have medical bills not covered by workers’ comp, you can seek reimbursement through a negligence-based claim.
- Lost Wages: This includes the income you do not get reimbursed for through workers’ compensation.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury affects your ability to earn in the future, our legal team can pursue compensation for the loss of potential future earnings, promotions, and bonuses.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured as a result of the injury.
- Emotional Distress: This addresses the psychological impact of the injury, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injury has affected your relationship with your family, our personal injury lawyers can seek compensation.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the third party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. These are rare, but we leave no possibilities unexamined when pursuing justice for our clients.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one passes away because of their workplace injuries, our Ocala wrongful death lawyers can pursue damages to help with funeral bills, hospital bills prior to their passing, and mental pain and suffering.
After we establish what kinds of damages your losses entitle you to, Bogin, Munns & Munns can stand up for you in civil court and/or represent your affairs during any settlement negotiations.
What Factors Could Complicate My Ocala Personal Injury Claim?
Unfortunately, getting compensation for an occupational illness or injury is not always easy, even if you feel you have a very clear and compelling case.
Insurance companies often do what they can to save themselves money and reduce what they pay to accident victims. Beware of the following tactics:
- Offering a fast settlement. Quick settlement offers rarely reflect all of your losses. You may end up running out of money if you accept such an offer—and you will not be able to ask for more once you sign an agreement.
- Asking for a recorded statement. The insurer wants this statement so they can try to find inconsistencies in your story. Do not agree to any of their requests until you consult with our workers’ compensation attorneys.
- Sending you back to work prematurely. Your doctor, who must be approved by the insurer, will tell you when you are fit to return to work. If you believe they are trying to end your benefits before you are ready, tell us immediately.
You may also have to deal with the concept of comparative negligence. Under Florida law, you have the right to file a personal injury claim so long as you are less than 51 percent responsible for your injuries. However, as your share of fault increases, your payout decreases, so it is important to show that someone else is responsible for your suffering and prevent the insurer from unfairly blaming you.
This law does not apply to workers’ compensation benefits: you are typically entitled to compensation regardless of fault.
Insurance disputes can be frustrating, but they are nothing that our Ocala lawyers cannot handle. Depending on whether the dispute occurs with the workers’ compensation insurer or the liable party’s insurer, we may protect your rights by:
- Communicating with the insurance company to try to avoid disputes or to identify the reason for a delay or denial of payment
- Filing a workers’ compensation appeal
- Collecting additional evidence to strengthen your case
Call now to find out how Bogin, Munns & Munns can fight for you and guide you through the legal process.
Ocala Work Injury Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
Who Can I Sue After a Workplace Accident in Ocala?
You are within your rights to file a lawsuit against many different parties after a workplace accident. Some of the most common targets for workplace injury cases include:
- Property owners
- Manufacturers
- Contractors
- Sub-contractors
- Government organizations
These third parties may have acted negligently or carelessly and caused you harm at work. Examples of actions (or inaction) that could justify filing a claim include:
- Failure to provide adequate protective equipment, such as fall protection
- Failure to train employees properly
- Failure to respond quickly after being informed of potential hazards or safety violations
- Pressuring employees to work in unsafe conditions
What if your employer was the negligent party in your case? While it is difficult to sue your employer after a workplace accident, it is possible in very limited circumstances. Florida law allows you to sue your employer if they put you in an extremely dangerous situation or intentionally caused your accident.
Our personal injury attorneys can let you know if this option applies to your case at all. Even if it does not, we can still file a workers’ comp claim and see if there are any liable third parties that you can sue.
Answering Your Questions About Ocala Workplace Injuries
Workplace accident claims can be very complicated. This is because they have the potential to involve many different types of laws, insurance policies, and legal precedents, not to mention liable parties and insurance companies that do not want to pay what the injured party deserves. As a result, victims are often left confused about where to turn and what to do next.
Our work injury lawyers in Ocala believe in staying in frequent communication with our clients. Not only will we keep you updated about your case, we make it easy for you to access your legal representative and get more personalized answers to questions like the following:
How Much Time Do I Have to Report My Work Accident to My Employer?
To remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you must report your accident to your employer within 30 days. Even if you think you are not covered by workers’ comp or plan to file a third-party lawsuit, it’s best to follow this procedure to cover your bases and make sure you are getting the help you need.
How Long Until I Receive My First Payment After a Work-Related Injury?
Your first workers’ compensation check should arrive within 21 days of the day you reported your injury to your employer. You will not be paid for your first seven missed days of work unless you miss more than 21 days.
A personal injury claim or lawsuit against a third party can take months or years to settle.
What if My Employer Does Not Report My Accident to Their Insurance Company?
You can report your accident to their insurance company yourself so you can move forward with the claims process. Our personal injury law firm can help you with this. We can also consider whether or not your employer’s refusal to cooperate represents a breach of contract that would allow you to file suit against them.
Do I Have to Receive Medical Treatment From a Special Doctor?
Yes. To qualify for workers’ compensation insurance, you need to receive medical treatment from a pre-approved medical professional. Your employer and their insurance company should have a list of places for you to seek medical attention. Note that you are allowed to receive immediate treatment from an emergency room without repercussions.
If you are filing a lawsuit for damages, the other party may try to request you go to a doctor of their choosing for an independent medical exam to confirm your injuries. We can set up medical examinations as well to ensure your injuries are fairly evaluated.
Is There a Time Limit on Filing a Claim After a Workplace Injury?
Yes. For workers’ compensation claims, you have up to two years to file for these benefits. For personal injury claims, you also have two years from the date of your injury to begin your case, per Florida Statutes § 95.11.
Make sure you file on time so you do not risk losing your right to compensation. This may be easier said than done, especially in cases involving an occupational illness or repetitive stress injury that developed over time rather than as the result of a single accident.
If you seek our assistance promptly, Bogin, Munns & Munns can assess your situation, identify which deadline applies to your case, and start your case as soon as possible.
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Get Help From Our Personal Injury Attorneys After an Ocala Workplace Injury
Bogin, Munns & Munns believes in providing legal care to all kinds of employees, making sure everyone has access to affordable and fair representation. Our Ocala workplace injury lawyers know what a difficult time this is for you, but we’re ready to fight for what you need.
For more information about filing a workplace injury claim or lawsuit, contact one of our team members today to get started with your free consultation.
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