Arm Injury: What Workers Compensation Covers
Did you hurt your arm while doing your job? Is your employer denying your claim for a workers compensation? Our experienced workers compensation lawyer can help you with that. Talk to us now for a free consultation.
What most people don’t know is that they can claim workers compensation even if there is no accident. Arm injuries caused by repetitive stress can qualify you for benefits too. As long as you got your injury from doing your job, then the law is on your side.
Most of those who tend to suffer from work-related arm injuries are:
- carpenters
- construction workers
- factory workers
- automobile assemblers
- welders
- cashier
- office clerk
These workers are either lifting heavy loads often or using their arms doing their jobs.
Common Work-Related Arm Injuries
In Florida, arm injuries are among most common reported type of work-related injury. Because our arms are complex, injuries can vary. Some of the most common types of arm injuries are:
- sprains
- bursitis
- dislocation
- osteo-arthritis
- broken bones
- nerve problems
These injuries can cause you to miss work for a few days or even months. Not only will you not be able to earn wages on those days, medical bills add to your suffering too. That’s why it’s important that you get your workers compensation benefits. An experienced lawyer can assist you in claiming your lost wages as well as medical benefits.
Reporting Your Arm Injury
According to Florida law, you must report work-related injuries within 30 days. If it happened over time, then you must inform your employer after you had knowledge of it. Failure to do so may cause you to lose your benefits.
When you inform your employer, be as detailed as possible. Include information about when it happened or when you first discovered the symptoms. It’s best if you do it in writing so they won’t be able to deny the report later on.
After reporting the injury, you should be referred to a medical services provider. Unfortunately, you cannot have a doctor of your own choosing. Florida law states that the physician must be accredited by your employer or the insurance company. This will always be the case unless it’s an emergency. Getting your own doctor might invalidate your claim for medical help.
Your employer should also report your injury to the insurance company within seven days. If they refuse to do so, you can contact the insurance provider yourself so they can determine your eligibility. Under the law, they are required to promptly deny or approve your claim.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for denying workers compensation benefits. You’ll likely have to fight for it. To do so, you will need a good workers compensation lawyer by your side.
Workers Compensation Options
In Florida, workers compensation for arm injuries largely depends on how severe it is and how it affects your ability to earn a living. There are four types of benefits you can apply for:
- Temporary Partial Disability – when the employee can still work but is receiving less pay than before or is never getting paid at all. Compensation for these types of cases is 80% of the difference between 80% of the employee’s average weekly wage before and after the injury.
- Temporary Total Disability – if the injury prevents an employee from doing any kind of work but is expected to recover anytime soon. Employees can receive 66.67% of their average weekly wage from before the injury. But benefits derived under this shall not be paid longer than 104 weeks.
- Permanent Partial Disability – applies to people whose injury left them partially disabled on a permanent basis. They might still be able to work but not the one they used to have or earn less than they used to. Benefits for permanent partial disability depends on an employee’s impairment rating which is given by the treating physician.
- Permanent Total Disability – Employees who lose the ability to do any type of work on a permanent basis can qualify for permanent total disability. They’ll receive 66.67% of their average weekly wage until they are 75 years old or are able to do gainful employment again.
How We Can Help
As one of the leading workers compensation lawyers in Florida, we use our expertise to help you fight for what you deserve. From helping you gather the necessary documents, talking to medical experts. We’ll negotiate a favorable amount of compensation benefits. We’ve got you covered.
Our preeminent attorney, Victor Malca, has represented thousands of injured workers in the span of his 23-year career. His extensive experience defending the rights of Florida’s workers plays to your advantage. He knows the ins and outs of the state’s workers compensation law. Those he’s helped can also attest that he takes his time to know more about his client’s medical condition. Talk to us for a free consultation now.