Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

30+ Years Fighting for Injured Workers, Never Representing Insurance Companies

Most work-related injuries, diseases, illnesses, and even deaths that occur in the Sunshine State fall under the state workers' compensation laws. Workplace injury law for Tampa, Florida, state workers' comp can be complicated. It would be in the best interest of a worker who sustained an on-the-job injury to seek the advice of a Tampa workers' compensation lawyer from Burnetti, P.A..

If it is a no-fault situation, which means the staff doesn't have to show there was negligence in order to recover damages suffered. A worker should report their Tampa work-related injury to their supervisor within 30 days following the accident. This is important to ensure that the injured worker stays within the work injury settlement guidelines.

At that point, the worker has two years to proceed with a workers' compensation benefits claim following the initial injury report. Consider contacting a Tampa work injury lawyer much sooner than 30 days.

Our work injury lawyers at Burnetti, P.A. can provide you with a FREE consultation concerning your on-the-job work injury.

Why Choose Burnetti, P.A. for Your Tampa Workers' Compensation Case?

• Direct Attorney Cell Phone Access: You get your attorney's direct cell phone number - no middleman, no delays
• 30+ Years Experience: Three decades exclusively representing injured workers, never insurance companies
• Statewide with Local Roots: 9 Florida offices with deep Tampa Bay area knowledge and community connections
• Proven Results + Compassionate Care: Multi-million dollar recoveries with personalized, family-like attention

Understanding Florida Workers' Compensation Law

If you have suffered injuries while engaged in work duties at your place of employment in Tampa, you must understand how the Florida workers' compensation law works. The system's goal is to bypass the traditional method of civil proceedings, which could take several years, and that forces the injured victim to show proof of negligence with the help of a Tampa workplace injury lawyer, otherwise known as a workers' compensation lawyer.

The state workers’ compensation system permits an injured worker to get part of their lost wages as well as some of their medical expenses in a generally fast manner while not having to prove negligence. Hurt workers often lose out on a number of the damages offered in alternative personal injury claims because they can’t sue their employer in civil court. No damages for pain and suffering damages are permitted through Florida’s workers’ compensation system.

Important Filing Deadlines:

• 30 days to notify your employer of the injury
• 2 years to file a workers' compensation claim
• 7 days for employer to report injury to insurance company

What Should A Tampa Worker Do If Hurt At Work?

• Step 1: Report Immediately
  Tell your supervisor about your injury as quickly as possible. You have only 30 days to report your accident or inform your employer of your injury before your right to file a claim is voided.
• Step 2: Seek Approved Medical Care
  Ask what doctor you're permitted to see. Only doctors approved by your employer or the insurer are eligible for payment through the workers' compensation system.
• Step 3: Contact a Lawyer
  Don't wait. Contact a workers' compensation lawyer immediately to protect your rights and ensure proper filing.

As you report your workers' comp claim, you must ask your leader what doctor you're permitted to see; solely doctors approved by your place of employment or the insurer are eligible for payment through the state workers' compensation system. Your employer can respond by telling you to contact the insurance company that takes care of their workers' compensation claims. If that happens, there ought to be a workers' compensation poster displayed in your place of work that contains the name and telephone number of the claims handler. These documents are posted in work areas, such as locker rooms or areas used for breaks.

Your place of employment has seven days according to state law to report your injury to their insurer. If your supervisor doesn't do this and doesn't offer to give you a telephone number to get in contact with the insurer, you'll need to contact the Florida State Division of Workers' Compensation hotline for facilitating, at 1-800-342-1741. You should also contact a workers' comp attorney in Tampa, FL.

What If It Is An Emergency?

If it is an emergency and your supervisor hasn't informed you at that time where you can go for medical care, or you are unable to contact your supervisor, you must head to the closest ER. When you're in a position to do so, you must let your supervisor know what is going on.

In emergency situations:

• Get immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room
• Notify your employer as soon as possible after treatment
• Keep all medical records and documentation
• Contact our Tampa workers' compensation attorney immediately

What Benefits Can A Workers' Compensation Lawyer In Tampa, FL Help You Receive?

There are different kinds of compensation you might be eligible to receive if you are hurt on the job. Florida workers' compensation provides several types of benefits to injured workers:

Medical Benefits

Coverage: 100% of reasonable and necessary medical treatment

Includes:

• Doctor visits and specialist care
• Hospitalization and surgery
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Medical devices and equipment
• Mileage reimbursement for medical visits

Note: You must use pre-approved medical providers unless it's an emergency.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

Eligibility: Cannot work for more than 7 days

Payment: Two-thirds (66⅔%) of your average weekly wage

Duration: Up to 104 weeks (2 years)

When it starts: 8th day of missed work (first 7 days paid at lower rate if out more than 21 days)

Severe injuries: 80% of regular pay for first 6 months

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

Eligibility: Can work but earning less than 80% of pre-injury wage

Payment: 80% of the difference between pre- and post-injury wages

Duration: Up to 104 weeks (combined with TTD)

This helps bridge the income gap when you can work but with restrictions.

Permanent Impairment Benefits

When Available: After reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

Payment Rate: 75% of pre-injury average weekly wage

Duration Based on Impairment Rating:

• 1-10%: 2 weeks per percentage point
• 11-15%: 3 weeks per percentage point
• 16-20%: 4 weeks per percentage point
• 21%+: 6 weeks per percentage point

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

For Catastrophic Injuries:

• Spinal cord injuries causing severe paralysis
• Amputation of limbs
• Severe traumatic brain injury
• Burns over 25% of body or 5% of face/hands
• Blindness

Payment: Two-thirds of average weekly wage until age 75

Death Benefits

For Surviving Family Members:

• Funeral Expenses: Up to $7,500
• Income Replacement: Up to $150,000
• Benefits distributed based on relationship and dependency

Specific allocation rules apply for surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents.

Re-Employment Services

If permanent work restrictions are keeping you from returning to your regular work duties, you might be able to get re-employment services from workers' compensation. If you have this problem, the workers' comp bureau and the Office/Reemployment Services Section will assist you with this. Services that you might be able to receive could include:

• Job options analysis
• Transferable skills assessment
• Job-seeking skills training
• Selective job placement assistance
• Vocational training and education
• Other services to help injured Tampa workers return to employment

Tampa Workers' Compensation Attorney vs. Insurance Company

Sometimes the insurance company fails to provide benefits that you should receive. If this is the case, you must attempt to settle the issue with the insurance adjuster, and if that doesn't work contact the adjuster's manager for further help. If the insurance company won't agree to cover benefits which you think you are entitled to receive, file a Petition for Benefits (PFB) with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC). At this point, you need to enlist the help of a workers' comp attorney in Tampa.

The Appeal Process Timeline:

1. File Petition for Benefits (PFB) with OJCC in Tallahassee
2. Insurance company has 14 days to respond
3. Mediation scheduled within 130 days (in most cases)
4. Final hearing if mediation unsuccessful
5. Judge's decision - can be appealed to First District Court

The jurisdiction of the OJCC begins with the filing of the PFB with the Central Clerking Office in Tallahassee. Once a case number is assigned, you can monitor the status of your case on the OJCC website. Once filed, your PFB will be scheduled for mediation, except in rare events, when a PFB is scheduled for an expedited final hearing.

Even if mediation is planned, a trial or final hearing might be scheduled simultaneously, or quite some time after the mediation. This depends on the judge assigned to the PFB. There are some Judges who will set up the final hearings as soon as a petition is filed, while others set up final hearings following an unsuccessful mediation. A pretrial hearing takes place before any final hearing. A written exchange might be your pretrial hearing if you have a workers' compensation lawyer in Tampa.

FAQs About Tampa Workers' Compensation

Do I need a lawyer for workers' compensation?

While not required, having a Tampa workers' compensation lawyer significantly increases your chances of receiving full benefits. Insurance companies handle claims like yours every day and have strategies to limit payouts. An experienced attorney levels the playing field.

What does a workers' compensation lawyer cost in Tampa?

There are no upfront costs. We work on contingency, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Florida law sets maximum attorney fees at:

• 20% of the first $5,000 in benefits
• 15% of the next $5,000 in benefits
• 10% of all benefits exceeding $10,000

Can I file a lawsuit if I receive workers' compensation benefits?

You cannot sue your employer, but you may be able to file a lawsuit against third parties, such as:

• Equipment manufacturers
• Property owners
• Co-workers who acted outside the scope of employment
• Other contractors on a job site

Third-party lawsuits can provide additional compensation, including pain and suffering damages not available through workers' comp.

What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?

MMI is when your recovery plateaus, and your condition will no longer improve despite continued treatment. Temporary income benefits end when you reach MMI, but you may qualify for permanent impairment benefits if you have lasting restrictions.

Are all Tampa employers required to carry workers' compensation insurance?

Florida requires workers' compensation coverage for:

• Construction companies: 1 or more employees
• Non-construction businesses: 4 or more employees
• Agricultural operations: 6 or more employees
• Government entities: All must carry coverage

What if my employer doesn't have workers' compensation insurance?

If your employer is required to carry workers' comp insurance but doesn't, you may be able to sue them directly in civil court for your injuries. This can result in much higher compensation, including pain and suffering damages.

Requirements For Tampa Employers Under The Workers' Compensation System

If your Tampa employer must offer workers' compensation coverage, the company is responsible for offering medical treatment coverage through an insurer. This treatment includes care from an authorized primary physician and any medically necessary specialists. It must cover all medically necessary treatment authorized by a licensed medical professional, including physician visits, hospitalization, x-rays, MRIs, physical therapy, prescription drugs, and medical supplies and devices. Mileage reimbursement for any medical visits to those on the approved list must be covered as well. If you believe your employer is violating the law with your compensation case, contact our workers' compensation attorneys in Tampa.

Make sure that the doctor sends all bills to your place of employment for payment.

Get Help From An Experienced Tampa Workers' Compensation Lawyer

• Direct Attorney Access: Get your lawyer's direct cell phone number - no secretaries or paralegals standing between you and legal advice when you need it most.
• 30+ Years of Experience: Three decades exclusively representing injured workers throughout Tampa, Hillsborough County, and all of Florida. We've never represented an insurance company - never have, never will.
• Proven Results: Our track record speaks for itself - multi-million dollar recoveries combined with the personalized, compassionate care your family deserves during this difficult time.

Why Choose Our Tampa Work Injury Lawyer Team?

As experienced workers' compensation lawyers in Tampa, FL, we understand the complexities of Florida workers' compensation law and how it affects Tampa Bay area workers. Our legal team has successfully helped hundreds of injured workers throughout Tampa, Hillsborough County, and surrounding Florida communities recover the benefits they deserve.

Our Tampa workplace injury lawyer services include:

• Free consultations for all work-related injuries
• Experienced representation in workers' compensation claims
• Help with denied or delayed benefits
• Appeals and hearings before the OJCC
• Maximum compensation recovery for workplace injuries
• Direct attorney cell phone access
• Personalized service with limited caseloads

Get a free consultation with a Tampa workers' compensation attorney today.