Recent Blog Posts
Common Defenses Used to Defeat Workers’ Compensation Claims
Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies don’t always comply with Florida’s workers’ compensation law and they might try to avoid paying for your medical and other expenses. To that end, there are several defenses they might use against you in a lawsuit seeking to recover the compensation that you are entitled to. Here are six… Read More »
Are you entitled to workers compensation benefits if you are not a documented worker?
Yes. Employers and insurance companies frequently attempt to intimidate undocumented workers when the suffer on-the-job injuries. Nevertheless, you are entitled to workers compensation benefits whether you have proper documentation or not. However, you should NOT use an invalid Social Security number on any part of your claim. Do not give any of your doctors… Read More »
I was injured in a motor vehicle accident. Do I also have a workers’ compensation claim? What if the motor vehicle accident was my fault?
It is not uncommon for workers to be involved in motor vehicle accidents while in the course of their employment. Under this scenario, you are entitled to pursue workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault. If the motor vehicle accident was the result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to personal injury damages… Read More »
When is the insurance company required to pay me for being out of work?
The issue of lost wages is very tricky in workers’ compensation. You may be entitled to lost wages under a number of scenarios including but not limited to: the workers’ compensation doctor has you on a ‘no work’ status; the workers’ compensation doctor has given you restrictions and the employer can’t or won’t accommodate… Read More »
I was injured in a motor vehicle accident. Do I also have a workers’ compensation claim? What if the motor vehicle accident was my fault?
It is not uncommon for workers to be involved in motor vehicle accidents while in the course of their employment. Under this scenario, you are entitled to pursue workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault. If the motor vehicle accident was the result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to personal injury damages… Read More »
If my employer fires me or I quit my job does my workers’ compensation claim end too?
Your entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits does not end if you no longer work for the same employer. Whether you leave voluntarily or involuntarily, you are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for the injury. You should know that voluntarily leaving your employment could impact benefits such as lost wages. Also, you may be… Read More »
Can I pick my own doctor and/or pharmacy?
Generally the law provides the insurance company with the power to direct your medical care. However, there are instances in which you can exercise your right to select a physician and you always get to choose your pharmacy. Because the insurance companies typically direct your treatment to a doctor they know will give them… Read More »
How does my attorney get paid?
At The Law Offices of Nicole Hessen, P.A., we provide legal services on a contingent fee basis. That is to say, we only get paid if we secure benefits and/or a settlement on your behalf. There are certain situations in the law that provide the insurance company pay our litigation fees and costs. You… Read More »
What benefits am I entitled to?
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, workers’ compensation benefits include medical care and lost wages. There are legal standards and qualifications for the medical treatment, as well as entitlement to lost wages. Florida law does not provide for recovery of punitive damages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life or other remedies generally… Read More »
What is a workers’ compensation claim?
When an employee is injured while working for the employer, the injured worker has a workers’ compensation claim. Of course there are many dynamics surrounding this issue. Sometimes an individual is called an independent contractor but legally he/she will be declared an employee. Sometimes the injury occurs just before or just after clocking out…. Read More »
