In Florida, workers’ compensation settlements typically fall into two categories: lump-sum and structured settlements.
- Lump-sum settlements provide a one-time payment, offering immediate financial relief.
- Structured settlements deliver periodic payments, ensuring long-term economic stability for ongoing needs.
An experienced Florida workers’ comp lawyer at Berlin Law Firm can negotiate a settlement that addresses the full costs of your injuries, both now and in the future. Otherwise, you risk leaving significant sums on the table.
We have helped injured Florida employees receive the full amount of workers’ comp benefits they deserve for over thirty years and are well aware of every tactic used to minimize your claim. Call today for a free consultation.
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Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Settlements
Workers’ compensation settlements provide injured employees with financial compensation for their losses. These settlements can be negotiated to resolve claims and ensure long-term support, offering workers a way to recover without ongoing disputes.
The types of settlements include the following:
Lump-Sum Settlements
The injured worker receives a one-time, upfront payment that resolves their workers’ compensation claim entirely. This type of settlement typically includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and any future benefits the worker may have been entitled to under workers’ compensation. In exchange, the worker generally agrees to waive any future claims related to the injury. It provides immediate financial relief, which can help cover significant expenses or resolve debt.
Structured Settlements
The injured worker receives periodic payments over time instead of a single lump sum. These payments may cover lost wages, ongoing medical expenses, or both. The settlement terms are negotiated to establish a payment schedule, such as monthly or annual installments, which may last for a set number of years or a lifetime. Structured settlements provide a steady, predictable income stream, ensuring long-term financial stability.
Medical Settlements
This is a settlement that focuses specifically on covering medical expenses. The injured worker may agree to close out all other aspects of the claim (e.g., wage replacement benefits) while ensuring future medical costs are covered. In some cases, medical benefits may be provided through an arrangement like a Medicare Set-Aside (MSA), where a portion of the settlement is allocated specifically for medical expenses.
It ensures the injured worker has access to funds for necessary treatments without compromising other benefits. It also helps manage future healthcare costs, particularly for severe injuries that require long-term management.
Eligibility Requirements for Workers’ Comp Settlements in Tampa
In Florida, employees who are qualified to receive a workers’ compensation settlement are those who suffer work-related injuries while employed by a company required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
To qualify, the worker must meet the following criteria:
- Employee Status: You must be classified as an employee, not an independent contractor, unless your status has been misclassified. Part-time and full-time employees are eligible.
- Work-Related Injury or Illness: The injury or illness must occur while performing job duties or as a direct result of the work environment. Common examples include slips and falls, repetitive strain injuries, or occupational illnesses caused by toxic exposure.
- Timely Reporting: The injury must be reported to the employer within 30 days of the incident or discovery of the illness.
- Compliance with Florida Law: Injured workers must follow procedures outlined by Florida’s workers’ compensation system, including attending authorized medical appointments and cooperating with the employer’s insurer
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
What Are the Types of Injuries That Can Lead to a Settlement?
Injuries that generally make an employee eligible for a workers’ compensation settlement are serious enough to result in medical expenses, lost wages, or permanent impairment.
They include but are not limited to the following:
- Traumatic Physical Injuries: Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations caused by falls, machinery accidents, or being struck by objects.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis caused by repetitive motions or overuse.
- Back and Spine Injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, or chronic back pain caused by heavy lifting, slips, or falls.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions or severe head trauma resulting from falls, equipment accidents, or vehicle crashes.
- Amputations and Crush Injuries: Loss of limbs or severe damage caused by machinery or heavy equipment.
- Burn Injuries: Thermal, electrical, or chemical burns suffered in workplace accidents.
The monetary value of a workers’ compensation settlement is determined by assessing the injured employee’s medical expenses, lost wages, and future requirements.
How Berlin Law Firm Can Help
The attorneys at the Berlin Law Firm are dedicated to helping injured workers settle Florida workers’ comp claims on the most favorable terms and for the largest available payouts. Insurance companies are motivated by profit and are incentivized to underestimate your claim. You need legal representatives fighting on your side who can calculate the true value of your claim and hold insurers accountable. T
The workers’ comp system in Florida is complex. The process has several stages, and many claims are initially denied. Our team of attorneys can represent your best interests in each stage of your claim, from appealing a denial to negotiating a lump-sum settlement. We provide the highest level of advocacy while simultaneously protecting your job, easing your financial and emotional burden, and attending to the specific needs of your case in a timely manner.
Schedule a Free Consultation
By obtaining legal counsel, you will have the best chance at securing a fair and comprehensive settlement for your injuries and financial losses. Berlin Law Firm can guide you through the workers’ compensation process and advocate for a fair and comprehensive settlement.
For more information, please contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tampa workers’ compensation attorney. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win a settlement for your work injuries.
