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Sarasota Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

200 N Washington Blvd

Sarasota FL 34236

Our firm was designed to help the workers of Florida through fair representation, honest work, and relentless pursuit of bettering this community.

If You’ve Been Injured

When you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation is supposed to provide benefits such as medical treatment, lost wages, and permanent disability payments. In return, the employee cannot sue the employer for personal injury. However, you need your own lawyer who protects your rights and advocates for you, especially if your benefits are denied or delayed.

If you have been injured at work, contact our experienced lawyers at Berlin Law Firm in Sarasota. Our dedicated team specializes in workman’s compensation claims and was founded by Stephen Berlin, who has over 30 years of experience in this complex field.

Our firm was designed to help the workers of Florida through fair representation, honest work, and relentless pursuit of bettering this community. As a result, we are among the highest esteemed workers’ compensation lawyers in Florida. Our Sarasota office is located at 200 N. Washington Blvd and is open 24 hours.

If you’ve suffered work injuries, we want to hear from you. Give us a call at (941)-777-7000 to learn how we can help. Hablamos Español.

Meet Our Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

We are among the top workers’ compensation lawyers in Sarasota and the state of Florida. Our attorneys genuinely care about each client. We understand the physical and emotional challenges that stem from your injury and the financial issues if you are forced to miss work.

Our lawyers include Stephen Berlin, who started and managed the in-house legal operation for a major Florida workers’ compensation carrier for 17 years prior to founding Berlin Law Firm. Our firm also boasts Thomas Scully, a workers’ compensation attorney for over 20 years and a renowned specialist in this field. Amanda Annunciata attended Stetson University College of Law, graduated cum laude, and became an Assistant State Attorney in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, where she litigated criminal cases. She is a tireless advocate for victims and will work relentlessly to resolve your claim. Carol Bello is a legal assistant from Columbia and speaks fluent Spanish. She is a graduate of Florida State University, and her passion for helping others is unmatched.

We are proud of everyone on our team, which includes many talented and dedicated professionals—and we are here to help you obtain the maximum benefits if you’ve been injured on the job in Sarasota.

Berlin Law Firm

Time is of the Essence!

When your employer’s insurance agency hears about your injury, they look for ways to compromise your claim. Don’t wait a minute! Let Berlin Law Firm turn the tables in your favor. Reach out today for a free consultation with our accomplished worker’s compensation attorneys.

Who May Be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida?

Are you eligible for workers’ compensation in Florida? The answer largely depends upon your answers to the following questions:

Are you an employee? Most Florida businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. This requirement does not extend to independent contractors.

If you are employed at the place where you were injured, you likely qualify for benefits. If you are classified as an independent contractor, there is a chance you do qualify, but only in the event the company you work for misclassified you. In such a situation, your eligibility depends upon a number of factors, including the industry you work in, the responsibilities you have, and the manner in which you are paid.

Was your injury job-related? In order to qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits, your injury must have been caused by activities related to your employment. If you were working when you suffered your injury, you likely meet this qualification. If you were driving as a function of your job—making deliveries, for instance—while you were injured, you likely qualify for benefits.

If you were driving to or from work, however, when the accident occurred, you likely do not qualify. Injuries resulting from horseplay, substance abuse and illegal activity generally do not qualify.

Did you report your injury on time? In Florida, you have 30 days to report your injury to your employer and two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you miss these crucial deadlines, you may have lost your chance to obtain the benefits you need.

By contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, you can rest assured that you are meeting all deadlines and filing requirements.

If you have questions about whether or not you qualify for workers’ comp benefits in Florida, talk with an experienced attorney before making any important decisions. Even if you think you are not eligible, a closer look at your situation may reveal otherwise.

What to Do After a Work Accident in Sarasota

Seek Medical Attention

After a work accident, you must seek prompt medical attention. If informed immediately, your employer may direct you to go to their insurance company’s doctor. Otherwise, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility.
If your employer directs you to tell the medical provider that this injury did not occur at work, do not do so. Never misrepresent the circumstances of your injury to anyone, including your employer, the insurance adjuster, and medical providers.

Report Your Injury

Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible, preferably in writing. You must do so within 30 days of the accident or within 30 days of the time you reasonably believed your injury was work-related.
As per Florida law, once you report your injury to your employer, they must report your claim to the insurance company within seven days. Ask your employer to provide you with a copy of the First Report sent to the insurance company.

Keep Copies of All Medical Records

Make sure to follow the doctor’s orders exactly and attend all doctor’s and rehabilitation appointments. Skipping appointments or otherwise not doing what the doctor ordered will likely end up with the insurance company alleging your injuries were not as severe as you claim.
Keep a record of all of your medical procedures and bills. Try to maintain a journal detailing your daily pain and limitation levels.

Common Work Injuries Our Firm Handles

With a work-related injury, it is essential that you receive an evaluation and treatment from qualified doctors. The employer’s insurance company will send you only to its approved doctors and will work to deny the severity of your claim. However, we will work harder to advocate for you.

Our areas of practice include:

We also cover catastrophic injuries and work-related fatalities. You can depend on our compassion and tenacity as we negotiate the largest possible damages award for you and your family.

 

Workers’ Comp Benefits

A work injury can leave you with large medical bills and prevent you from working—a financially devastating situation for most Florida workers. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help you overcome these financial hardships by providing you with:

  • Medical benefits: Workers’ comp covers all medical expenses arising from a work-related injury, including ER and ambulance care, surgeries, medications and physical therapy.
  • Vocational training: If your injury leaves you unable to perform your usual job duties, but you are well enough to work in another position, workers’ comp will pay for the training this transition requires.
  • Lost wages: These benefits may be temporary or permanent, depending upon the severity of the injury and the extent of disability suffered by the injured worker.
  • Death benefits: Tragically, some workers do not survive their on-the-job injuries. In such cases, family members may pursue benefits that include lost wages, funeral expenses and educational training for a surviving spouse.

The amount of benefits you receive depends upon a number of factors, including the nature and severity of your injury, and the timeline of your recovery. After thoroughly reviewing your situation, an experienced Sarasota workers’ compensation lawyer can help you better understand the benefits you are likely entitled to.

Call today No Obligation or Fees. A Totally FREE Consultation.

Why You May Need a Sarasota Workers’ Comp Lawyer

You may be legally entitled to worker’s compensation benefits, but obtaining the full amount you are owed is another matter. Your employer may claim you do not deserve the benefits you seek. They may argue that your injury was not job-related or not as severe as you claim.

A skilled attorney can address these common tactics while guiding you through all stages of the workers’ comp process. A good lawyer will handle all aspects of your claim, including communications with the workers’ comp insurer, and compiling the evidence you need for a successful claim, such as medical records and testimony from people who witnessed your accident.

If your employer denies your claim, a knowledgeable lawyer can represent you in the Florida workers’ comp appeals process. You do not have to and should not face this process alone. With an experienced attorney on your side, you stand a much better chance of obtaining a successful result.

Contact Berlin Law Firm

If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a work accident, contact our team at Berlin Law Firm today at (941)-777-7000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We will answer all of your questions and advise you of your options. There is no fee unless you receive compensation.