Were you injured in a workplace accident in St. Petersburg, Florida? If so, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries. Being injured at your workplace can be stressful, and you may not be sure of how to proceed. But, with Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, you’ll have experienced legal professionals supporting you every step of the way. You don’t have to handle your legal issues alone. Reach out to our team of St. Petersburg workplace accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation at (727) 787-2500.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Workplace Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
If you are injured as a result of a workplace accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, you have many options when it comes to choosing a lawyer. Here are just a few reasons why you should feel confident about a decision to work with Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers.
To ensure that our clients get fair compensation for injuries resulting from workplace accidents, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers will:
- Investigate the circumstances of the accident
- Identify the responsible parties
- Gather evidence (e.g., police reports, witness statements, medical records)
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies and other involved parties
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, our strategy may also include consultation with appropriate experts to help us build the strongest case possible for you. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you. Call our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
What is My Workplace Accident Case Worth?
If you are injured in a workplace accident in Florida, you have two primary avenues for recovering damages: a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim.
Workers’ Compensation
In Florida, you usually cannot sue your employer for personal injuries from a workplace accident. You can, however, receive workers’ compensation. You have 30 days to file a workers’ compensation claim, but you should do so as soon as possible after the accident.
If your injuries prevent you from working, workers’ comp will provide you with wage replacement up to a certain amount. The value of your workers’ compensation benefits will depend on:
- Your income and wages prior to the accident
- The duration of your recovery
- Whether you’re totally or partially disabled
As of January 1, 2025, the maximum amount you can receive through workers’ compensation is $1,295 per week. Note that if you’re able to work in a reduced capacity, the amount you receive will be reduced accordingly.
Personal Injury Claims
If a non-employer third party caused your injuries, you may also have rights under Florida personal injury laws. For example, you may be able to bring a third-party claim against the manufacturer of a defective product or an at-fault driver if you were involved in a car accident while on the job.
With a personal injury claim, the amount of money that you may recover as a result of your injuries will depend on a number of factors. Many of these factors relate to the injury itself, such as how severe it is, its impact on your daily life, the type of treatment you are receiving, and how long your recovery is projected to take. Another key factor that will impact your compensation is whether or not there is evidence establishing the other party’s fault.
Making things more complex is the fact that you may not know the true “cost” of the accident right away. For example, you may need to make many visits to one or more doctors as part of your treatment. You may also need to try different medications and types of therapy. And, if you begin to experience trauma from the accident, it can take some time to get appropriate mental health treatment.
When you work with Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers in St. Petersburg, Florida, you can rest assured that we will gather all of the information necessary to make an informed assessment of your claim. Our goal is to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Workplace Accident Victims?
Damages are the losses you have incurred as a result of the workplace accident. Workers’ compensation benefits help injured workers cover costs while they recover. Injured workers in Florida can access three main categories of benefits under workers’ compensation law:
- Medical benefits (including doctors’ visits, hospitalization, and prescription drugs),
- Lost wages and other monetary compensation, and
- Death benefits (for survivors of fatal accident victims)
If you file a third-party claim, you may be eligible for additional economic damages (e.g., medical care not covered by workers’ compensation). You may also be able to receive non-economic damages related to intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
In rare cases, if the other party was engaging in extremely negligent or reckless behavior, you may also be able to receive punitive (or “extra”) damages. In each and every case, the attorneys at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers will use their extensive knowledge and expertise to build your case based upon a fair and accurate claim that takes into account all of the ways your injury has impacted you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Workplace Accident Lawyer?
Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer after a workplace accident because they don’t think they can afford one. You have enough to worry about after an accident. When you hire Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, you do not have to consider hourly fees whether you file a workers’ compensation claim or pursue a personal injury claim against a third party.
Under Florida law, in workers’ comp cases, an attorney is paid a percentage of the benefits secured for the client. And, if you file a personal injury claim against a third party, we will work on a contingency fee basis. In either case, we will receive a percentage of the compensation you recover if–and only if–we settle or win the lawsuit on your behalf.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Workplace Accident in Florida?
With a workers’ compensation claim, you are entitled to receive benefits regardless of the cause of your accident. However, Florida’s modified comparative fault rule applies if you are pursuing a personal injury claim against a third party. Under this rule, you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault–but only up to a certain point. Your share of responsibility limits the amount of damages you can collect.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. It’s important to note that, in Florida, you cannot receive compensation from the other party if you are 51% or more to blame. Our Florida workplace accident lawyers can evaluate the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action to pursue.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Workplace Accident Injuries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, private industry employers reported 2.6 million workplace injuries and illnesses. The National Safety Council lists the top causes of work-related injuries as: overexertion and bodily reaction from lifting and other strenuous tasks; contact with objects and equipment; and falls, slips, and trips.
Workplace accidents can result in a wide range of both minor and significant injuries. Common workplace accident injuries include strains, sprains, lacerations, and burns, as well as injuries to the head, neck, and back. Regardless of the type of injury you’ve suffered, it is important to receive prompt medical attention and treatment if you’ve been injured in a workplace accident.
Note that, with workers’ compensation claims, you are required to see the doctor chosen by your employer’s insurer. We know that navigating the workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Whatever your injuries are, we will analyze them and work toward securing maximum compensation for you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit after a Workplace Accident in Florida?
Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim. However, there are certain exceptions that may or may not apply to your particular case. The bottom line is that it’s best not to wait too long, as you don’t want to risk being barred from financial recovery if you miss the deadline.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Workplace Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
It’s not always easy to know what to do after a workplace accident. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging time on your own. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We will evaluate your case and advise you on what to do next. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a St. Petersburg workplace accident lawyer to learn more about your options.