Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Panama City Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Pursuing Compensation for Injured Workers

It's normal to feel scared and uncertain after a workplace accident. As if immediate health concerns stemming from workplace injuries aren't stressful enough, injured workers in Florida often deal with an onslaught of additional concerns, from paying rent and mortgages to financially supporting their families to having a job to come back to. In these cases, workers' compensation benefits can give injured workers the financial support and recovery time they need to heal.

At Perry & Young, P.A., our Panama City Beach workers’ comp lawyers have over 15 years of experience advocating for injured workers. Our firm is dedicated to seeking full and fair compensation for workers and their loved ones after workplace accidents, from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to occupational illnesses to broken bones and fractures. Regardless of the severity of your injury, our attorneys can fight for the justice you deserve, allowing you to focus on making a swift and safe recovery.

If you or a loved one was a victim of medical malpractice, our dedicated lawyers are here to help. Call (850) 215-7777 to request a free consultation.

Protecting Injured Workers in Florida Since 2008

Since 2008, our skilled workers’ comp lawyers at Perry & Young, P.A. have protected the rights of injured workers in Panama City Beach and beyond. Our diverse legal background in employment law and personal injury law makes our firm well-equipped to represent injured workers in various workers’ comp cases, from appealing a denied claim to filing for benefits to medical disputes. If you were injured on the job, it’s imperative to secure trusted representation as soon as possible to seek fair compensation. Reach out to our office to learn how we can guide your steps with wisdom and clarity.

Contact us online to discuss your case with a workers' compensation attorney in Panama City Beach.

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What Isn’t Covered Under Florida Workers’ Comp?

While workers' compensation laws are designed to encompass a broad spectrum of employment-related injuries and illnesses, there are certain situations where an injury may not be covered. These include:

Injuries that occur while an employee was committing a serious crime or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Self-inflicted injuries, such as those that occur when an employee intentionally hurts themselves
Injuries sustained while an employee was violating company policy or engaging in horseplay
Injuries that happen while the employee wasn't on the job or participating in a work-related activity

Workers’ compensation cases can be complex and often require professional legal evaluation. As workers’ comp attorneys, workers can rely on our team to guide them through the legal complexities of determining workers’ comp eligibility and filing a claim.

Additionally, some types of employees, such as independent contractors and certain agricultural workers, may not be covered under workers' compensation laws. Consulting with a workers' compensation attorney is a crucial first step to determining whether you may be eligible for workers' comp benefits.

If you were wrongfully injured, our lawyers can help determine an effective legal recourse for your unique needs. Call (850) 215-7777 to discuss your case.

Your Dedicated Attorneys

You Only Pay When You Collect

Our work is conducted on a contingent fee basis. This means that you pay nothing unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
Experienced Trial Attorneys

Each case is assigned to a lead attorney and a supporting attorney. This ensures continuity during the legal process and enables us to provide responsive service.
Hundreds of Millions Recovered

At Perry & Young Law Firm, we take pride in championing the rights of our clients. We have secured hundreds of millions for our clients.

Common Workplace Injuries in Florida

Workplace accidents can happen in any industry, especially in high-risk fields like construction and healthcare. While the causes and severity of workplace injuries will inevitably vary based on various factors, it’s crucial for every employee to know and exercise their rights following a workplace injury.

Common types of workplace injuries include:

Head injuries
Sprains and strains
Neck and back injuries
Burns and disfigurement
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel

In Florida, tens of thousands of workers are injured on the job every year. That’s why our Panama City Beach workers' comp lawyers are passionate about defending the rights of injured workers and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

Are Florida Employers Required to Carry Workers’ Comp?

Under state law, workers' compensation is mandatory for most employers to carry. However, specific coverages vary based on numerous factors, including the type of employment industry, the number of employees on staff, and entity organization. Consider this overview of workers’ comp requirements for employers:

Construction Industry: All construction-related employers with at least one employee are required to carry workers' compensation coverage regardless of company size, including corporate officers and limited liability companies (LLCs).
Non-Construction Industries: Any non-construction employer with four or more employees must carry workers' comp, including corporate officers and limited liability companies (LLCs).
Agricultural Industry: Employers in the agricultural industry with six or more employees and/or twelve or more seasonal workers who work more than 30 days in one season (and/or more than 45 days in the same calendar year) are required to carry workers’ comp coverage under state law.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

In Florida, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that any employee may apply for workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace accident regardless of fault. Keep in mind that workers’ compensation is not designed to benefit employees alone, but is intended to protect employees and employers alike, which is one of many reasons why it’s so important to consult with a workers’ comp lawyer before initiating a claim.

Eligibility for workers' compensation extends to all workers, irrespective of the organization's size or the nature of employment. Whether you work part-time or full-time, you are potentially eligible for workers' comp benefits. However, certain legal requirements must be met before filing for these benefits. These include:

The injury or illness must have occurred while performing work-related duties or during employment hours;
The workers’ comp claim must be filed within two years after the date of the workplace accident (Florida Statutes § 440.19); and
The injured worker must report the injury to their employer within 30 days of its occurrence or from the date the doctor diagnoses a work-related illness. The employer is responsible for notifying their insurance company about the employee's injury within seven days of being informed.

Our Panama City Beach lawyers can help determine your claim's validity and value by assessing your case's unique dynamics. If you were harmed in a workplace accident, our compassionate team can help navigate retaliation or pushback from unethical insurers and employers while prioritizing your unique needs.

Recoverable Damages in Workers’ Comp Claims

What damages can be recovered by injured employees following a workplace accident? In Florida, workers’ compensation benefits can provide workers with various types and amounts and types of compensation after sustaining an injury on the job.

Because the main objective of workers' compensation is to cover the financial impact of a workplace injury, the system focuses solely on economic (tangible) losses. The workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits for economic losses. These benefits typically don't include compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, or loss of life's enjoyment.

Workers’ Comp vs. Personal Injury Claims

It’s crucial to remember that if a third party is responsible for your injury (e.g., someone besides an employer, co-worker, or other job-related party), you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the offender, allowing you to pursue full damages beyond workers’ compensation.

Fortunately, our dedicated lawyers at Perry & Young, P.A. have handled thousands of personal injury cases. With hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for our clients, our firm is well-equipped to collaborate with injured workers to pursue justice and maximize the value of their claims.