Brandon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When you’re hurt on the job, every part of your life can change overnight. Medical bills start piling up, work shifts disappear, and you may find yourself wondering how long it will take before you can get back on your feet. That’s when having the right advocate makes all the difference.
At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., our Brandon workers’ compensation lawyers have spent decades helping injured employees across Florida recover the benefits they deserve. We know that behind every claim is a hardworking person trying to support their family.
Whether you were injured in a construction accident, slipped in a restaurant kitchen, or developed a repetitive motion injury after years of physical labor, our team is ready to fight for your rights.
We’re not a quick-settlement firm; we’re in it for the long haul. Insurance companies know that we don’t back down and that we’ll take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to win fair compensation. If you’ve been injured on the job, call (813) 993-0559 today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and guide you toward the benefits you need to move forward.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Florida
Workers’ compensation is a system designed to protect both employees and employers in the event of workplace injuries. It provides medical care and partial wage replacement for injured workers, regardless of fault, while limiting the employer’s exposure to lawsuits.
In Florida, nearly all employers with four or more employees (and all construction businesses with at least one employee) are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
This means that most workers in Brandon are covered, but coverage doesn’t always mean the process is easy.
Insurance companies may delay payments, deny claims, or downplay the seriousness of injuries. That’s why working with our Brandon workers’ compensation attorneys from the start can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your claim stays on track.
Common Workplace Injuries in Brandon
Workplace injuries happen in every industry, from large warehouses and construction sites to schools, hospitals, and offices. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents: Falls are among the leading causes of work-related injuries. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered workspaces can all lead to sprains, broken bones, or head injuries.
- Back and Neck Injuries: Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motion, or sudden twisting movements can cause serious spinal or muscle injuries. These can result in chronic pain or long-term mobility issues.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI): Workers who perform repetitive tasks, like typing, scanning groceries, or operating machinery, may develop conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
- Burns and Electrical Injuries: Restaurant workers, electricians, and factory employees are especially vulnerable to burns and electrocution injuries caused by faulty wiring, hot surfaces, or chemicals.
- Crush Injuries and Amputations: In industrial settings, workers may be caught between machinery or struck by heavy objects, leading to catastrophic injuries that require long-term care or prosthetics.
- Occupational Illnesses: Some employees develop illnesses from prolonged exposure to hazardous materials, fumes, or environments, including lung disease, skin disorders, or hearing loss.
Benefits Available Under Florida Workers’ Compensation
When you’re injured on the job in Florida, workers’ compensation benefits can help you recover and stay financially stable. These benefits include:
- Medical Benefits: Your employer’s insurance should cover all necessary medical treatment for your work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and medical equipment.
- Wage Replacement (Temporary Disability Benefits): If your injury prevents you from working, you may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to the state maximum) until you can return to work.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury causes lasting impairment, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits based on your level of impairment and ability to work in the future.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: If you can’t return to your previous job, Florida’s workers’ comp system may cover retraining or education to help you transition to a new career.
- Death Benefits: If a worker dies from a work-related injury or illness, their surviving family members may receive funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury
If you’ve been injured on the job in Brandon, following the right steps can make a significant difference in your ability to obtain benefits:
Report the Injury Immediately
Florida law requires that you report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident (or from when you first realize your condition is work-related). Failing to report in time can result in claim denial.
Seek Medical Care
Your employer or their insurance company will refer you to an authorized medical provider. Be sure to attend all appointments and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Keep Detailed Records
Document everything related to your injury, how it happened, witnesses, correspondence with your employer, and medical records.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Even a small mistake can delay or jeopardize your benefits. Consulting a Brandon workers’ compensation lawyer ensures your rights are protected from the beginning.
Why Claims Get Denied
Unfortunately, many valid claims are initially denied. Common reasons for denial include:
- Missed reporting deadlines;
- Disputes over whether the injury happened at work;
- Employer allegations that the worker was under the influence or acting irresponsibly;
- Lack of medical evidence linking the injury to job duties; or
- Failure to follow treatment instructions.
At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we know how to appeal denied claims and hold insurance companies accountable. We’ll collect additional medical evidence, obtain expert testimony if needed, and fight for your right to full benefits.
Third-Party Injury Claims
Workers’ compensation usually covers injuries regardless of fault, but it doesn’t provide compensation for pain and suffering. However, if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may be eligible to file a third-party personal injury claim.
For example:
- A contractor’s negligence caused a construction accident;
- A defective machine or tool malfunctioned; or
- A reckless driver injured you while you were making a delivery.
Our Brandon workers’ compensation attorneys investigate every case thoroughly to determine whether you have grounds for additional compensation.
How Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A. Can Help
Since opening our doors, Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A. has earned a strong reputation across Florida for standing up to powerful insurance companies and large corporations. We represent workers, not big business, and have successfully handled thousands of claims for injured employees throughout the state.
When you hire our firm, you get more than legal representation; you get a dedicated team that’s ready to fight for your recovery. Our services include:
- Filing and managing all workers’ compensation paperwork;
- Coordinating with doctors and medical experts;
- Representing you at hearings, depositions, or appeals;
- Negotiating fair settlements; and
- Taking your case to trial if necessary.
We are trial-tested attorneys who never settle for less than what our clients deserve. Our reputation for going the distance gives us stronger negotiating power, often leading to faster and fairer results for injured workers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Workers’ Compensation
Do I Need to Prove My Employer Was at Fault?
No. Florida’s workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis, which means you do not have to prove that your employer, or anyone else, was responsible for your injury. As long as the injury occurred while you were performing job-related duties, you are generally eligible for benefits.
Even if you accidentally caused your own injury, such as by lifting incorrectly or slipping due to momentary distraction, you can still receive compensation. The only exceptions are cases involving intentional misconduct, intoxication, or situations where an employee deliberately tried to cause harm. This no-fault structure is designed to make it easier for injured employees to access medical care and wage replacement quickly, without needing to go through a lengthy legal battle over who was to blame.
Can I See My Own Doctor?
In most workers’ compensation cases, your employer’s insurance company will select the doctor who treats your injury. This often means you must see a medical provider approved by the insurer, not your personal doctor. The insurer controls which physicians are authorized to provide treatment under your claim, and only those doctors’ services will be covered.
However, if you are unhappy with the care you are receiving or believe your doctor is not taking your condition seriously, you have the right to request a one-time change of physician. This change must be requested in writing, and the insurance company must respond within five days; if they do not, you may have the right to choose your own doctor instead. We can help ensure that your medical care is managed correctly and that you are not forced to accept inadequate treatment.
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Claim?
No. It is against the law for an employer to fire, demote, or otherwise retaliate against an employee for filing a legitimate workers’ compensation claim. Florida’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees from this kind of behavior. Unfortunately, some employers still attempt to punish workers for reporting injuries, perhaps by cutting hours, giving poor performance reviews, or creating a hostile work environment.
Suppose you suspect that your employer has taken any adverse action because you filed a claim. In that case, you may be entitled to additional legal remedies through a retaliation or wrongful termination claim. At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we take these cases seriously. Our team will investigate your situation, gather evidence, and take legal steps to hold your employer accountable for violating your rights. You should never have to choose between your health and your job security.
What If My Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Comp Insurance?
If your employer fails to carry the required workers’ compensation coverage, you are not without options. Florida law mandates that most businesses provide this insurance, but some employers cut corners or attempt to classify employees as “independent contractors” to avoid paying premiums.
If you are injured while working for an uninsured employer, you may be able to file a claim through the Florida Uninsured Employers Fund, which helps pay medical and wage benefits to workers whose employers illegally failed to obtain coverage. Additionally, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer to recover damages not typically available under workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Our firm can help you determine which path is best based on your employment classification, the facts of your case, and your employer’s financial situation. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, even when your employer fails to follow the law.
Why choose Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A.?
When your health, job, and livelihood are on the line, you need a law firm that truly stands behind you. Our Brandon workers’ compensation attorneys offer:
- Decades of experience representing injured Florida workers;
- Proven trial success and strong negotiation power;
- Personal attention and consistent communication;
- A reputation for integrity and persistence; and
- No upfront fees, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
We’re proud to be a firm that Florida workers trust. Our Brandon workers’ compensation attorneys and staff have deep ties to the local community and a long-standing history of helping families recover after serious injuries.
Speak With a Brandon Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
You work hard for your paycheck. When you’re hurt on the job, you deserve the same dedication from your employer and their insurance company, but too often, workers are left fighting for the benefits they’ve earned.
At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we level the playing field for injured workers. Our Brandon workers’ compensation attorneys have decades of experience, the respect of our peers, and the determination to see your case through from start to finish. We don’t back down when insurers play games; we fight until justice is served.
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Brandon or anywhere in Hillsborough County, contact us today or call (813) 993-0559 for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the medical care, lost wages, and peace of mind you deserve.
Visit Our Brandon Personal Injury Law Office
Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. – Brandon Office
202 E Brandon Blvd.
Suite 107 Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: (813) 937-633
Phone calls were returned timely. I was kept informed of my case and my questions were answered. The staff was professional, courteous, concerned and caring. Overall my experience with this law firm was good and I would recommend them to a friend.
- Rhonda D.
Keep up the good work!
- Thomas B.Everyone who I had the pleasure in talking to or email correspondence has been great and professional. Thank you all for the good service.
- Elixsandra F.Everyone in the office was always helpful and did everything to help up on the case.
- Thomas D.I appreciate all the work you all did. I will recommended Brad Smith and Smith, Feddeler & Smith to anyone who is looking for good legal help.
- Robert S.I would like to thank Mr. Feddeler and the Law Firm for their help in my workers; compensation case. I want to especially thank Julie for being such a special lady and for have such a patient and wonderful personality and manners. She kept me informed of what was going on and answered all my questions when I needed them.
- Stanley E.I am thankful with the firm and staff for always being so courteous and helpful with my case and with me. You guys helped me every step of the way and I am glad I chose your firm to represent me. Thank you for all you do!
- A Montalvo.Everyone that was involved with my case was awesome! No complaints. Hope I never need to get a lawyer again, but if I did I would choose this Law Firm. So thank you!
- Juanita B.I was bit by a Pit Bull in the face in May of 2016. The injuries I suffered was a fractures nose and teeth marks to the nose and under my lip. I chose Smith, Feddeler because they had a great reputation on line. They were very compassionate, very sympathetic and very respectful of the situation I was going through. The attorney was very sincere and staff always responsive and available when I needed. I would definitely recommend Smith, Feddeler & Smith. Kevin Balentine was very helpful and efficient.
- Lauren M.If you ever want a good attorney who is going to fight and advocate for injured workers and knows the law of workers’ comp in the State of Florida, please contact Brad at Smith, Feddeler & Smith. I assure you they will fight for your rights and you will come out victorious, and you will be able to tell somebody else like I’m telling you.
- Ricky B.Contact Us For A Free Consultation With A Qualified Lawyer
