Were you hurt while performing your job duties in St. Petersburg, Florida? You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more. In some cases, you might have the option to pursue a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation. We can help.
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers was founded nearly four decades ago and has 50 years of combined legal experience. Over time, we’ve helped clients recover more than $120 million. We know Florida law, how the local courts operate, and how to stand up to insurance adjusters. Let us use this knowledge to protect your rights.
Contact our St. Petersburg workers’ compensation lawyers today, or call us at (727) 787-2500 for a free initial consultation. You can learn about your legal options, ask questions, and get the guidance you need without any financial risk.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Workers’ Comp Claim in St. Petersburg, FL
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim on your own can be confusing and stressful. There’s paperwork to file, deadlines to meet, and rules to follow. Employers and insurers might try to challenge your claim or minimize your injuries, leaving you struggling with medical bills and no steady paycheck.
With Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers on your side, you won’t have to face these hurdles alone. Our trial attorneys understand both workers’ comp laws and personal injury laws in Florida. We can help you identify all your options, whether it’s filing a workers’ comp claim, exploring a lawsuit against a third party, or negotiating a fair settlement.
When you hire our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys, we can help by:
- Investigate the accident
- Determine your legal rights and options
- Calculate what your claim is worth
- Handle all the communications and paperwork
- Hire experts to strengthen your claim as needed
- Negotiate a settlement or litigate in court if necessary
Our goal is to relieve the burden on you so you can focus on healing. Contact us today in St. Petersburg, FL, to schedule a free case review.
Workers’ Compensation in Florida
Florida’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their jobs. It typically covers medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and disability benefits if you can’t return to work right away.
The good news is that workers’ comp is generally a no-fault system. This means you can usually receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident—unless you were engaged in misconduct or intentionally hurt yourself.
Key types of workers’ comp benefits in Florida include:
- Medical benefits: Covering necessary treatment like hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medications.
- Temporary total disability: Providing wage replacement if you’re unable to work at all while you recover.
- Permanent partial disability: If you recover enough to return to some kind of work but not your old job, you may receive benefits recognizing your long-term limitations.
- Permanent total disability: If your injuries prevent you from ever working again, these benefits offer ongoing financial support.
- Death benefits: If a loved one dies from a work-related injury or illness, certain family members may receive compensation for funeral costs and lost income.
Our team can help ensure you receive the full benefits allowed under the law. We’ll guide you through every step, from reporting the injury to appealing a denial if necessary.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims
Workers’ compensation can provide valuable benefits, but it might not fully cover all your losses. For example, workers’ comp usually doesn’t pay for pain and suffering. In some situations, you might have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, such as:
- Property owners: If unsafe conditions on a property you visited for work caused your injury.
- Product manufacturers: If defective equipment or tools led to your accident.
- General contractors or subcontractors: If you were hurt on a construction site due to another company’s negligence.
- Drivers: If you were involved in a vehicle crash while on the job.
By filing a third-party claim, you can seek damages beyond what workers’ comp covers. This might include full compensation for all medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
How Valuable Is My St. Petersburg Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Every claim is unique, and it’s hard to give an exact number without reviewing your situation. Several factors influence the value of your case, including:
- Injury severity: More serious injuries often lead to higher medical bills, longer recovery times, and more time away from work.
- Ability to return to work: If you can’t return to your old job, you may receive benefits for lost earning capacity.
- Third-party claims: If a personal injury lawsuit is possible, you might recover additional damages beyond what workers’ comp offers.
- Medical costs: Consider not just current bills but potential future treatments, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Strength of evidence: Solid proof of your injury and work-related cause can help secure maximum benefits.
During a free consultation, we’ll review these factors and give you an estimate of what you might expect. We’ll also work hard to ensure you don’t settle for less than your claim is worth.
Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries in St. Petersburg
Work injuries can occur in any job setting, from offices to construction sites. Some common causes include:
- Slip and falls: Wet floors, loose rugs, or poor lighting can lead to falls that cause broken bones, head injuries, or back pain.
- Repetitive motions: Typing, lifting, or other repeated actions can cause strain or stress injuries over time.
- Falling objects: Items that aren’t properly secured can fall and strike workers, causing serious harm.
- Machinery accidents: Heavy equipment, power tools, or other machinery can lead to cuts, amputations, or crush injuries if not used safely.
- Car and truck crashes: If you drive as part of your job, an auto accident could occur, leaving you with severe injuries.
- Exposure to harmful substances: Some workplaces expose employees to chemicals, dust, or fumes that can lead to respiratory problems or illnesses.
No matter how your injury occurred, if it happened on the job, you may have a right to compensation. Our attorneys can investigate the details and guide you through the best way forward.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Workplace Injury in St. Pete?
If you file a workers’ compensation claim, you’re usually limited to certain benefits. These might include coverage of medical bills, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits if you can’t return to work. Workers’ comp generally does not pay for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
If you’re able to file a third-party lawsuit, you can seek a broader range of damages, including:
Economic damages, such as:
- Full lost wages
- Entire medical expenses (beyond what workers’ comp might cover)
- Other financial losses (like transportation to medical appointments)
You can also receive non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare instances, if the third party acted in an especially reckless or intentional way, you may also pursue punitive damages. These are meant to punish wrongdoing and discourage similar behavior in the future.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Workplace Accident in St. Petersburg?
In a workers’ compensation claim, fault generally doesn’t matter unless you intentionally harmed yourself or violated a major rule. However, if you’re pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, comparative fault rules apply.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence law. If you are found 51% or more responsible for the accident, you cannot recover damages from the other party. If you are less than 51% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Having a skilled attorney helps protect you from unfair blame. We’ll gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and present a strong case that highlights the other party’s negligence, not yours.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in St. Petersburg?
Most workers’ comp and personal injury attorneys in St. Petersburg, including Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, no hourly fees, and no flat rates. We only get paid if we win compensation for you.
This fee structure makes legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their finances. It also motivates us to fight hard for the best possible outcome since our payment depends on our success.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Workers’ Comp Claim or Lawsuit in Florida?
You must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days and file a workers’ comp claim within the designated timeframe (usually two years). For personal injury lawsuits, Florida’s statute of limitations also generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file suit. If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to compensation.
It’s wise to speak with a workers’ comp lawyer in St. Petersburg as soon as you can. Starting early helps preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Trusted St. Petersburg Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
An on-the-job injury in Florida can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. With the help of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal aspects of your claim. We’re prepared to use our skills and resources to fight for what you deserve.
Call our St. Petersburg workers’ compensation lawyers today to arrange a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide the best path forward.