Wage Benefits
Serving Central Florida since 1994: Our attorneys have extensive experience helping disabled people in Lakeland, Haines City and beyond.
Handling Workers’ Compensation Wage Loss Benefits Issues
The payment of wage loss benefits through the workers’ compensation system can be delayed or disrupted by a number of factors. First, your employer’s insurance carrier will not pay anything until they see proof of disability from a doctor. Then, there is a seven-day waiting period, although payment is not considered overdue until 14 days thereafter.
In other words, a three-week delay in the initial check is not unusual. Then sometimes we see a repeated trend of late payment. In the meantime, you still need to buy food and pay bills.
At the law firm of DiCesare, Davidson & Barker, you will find attorneys who have been standing up for the rights of injured workers in Lakeland, Haines City and throughout Central Florida since 1994. Our goal is to help you get the wage loss benefits you need as quickly as possible.
Getting the Right Amount of Compensation
Beyond the issue of getting paid in a timely manner is the issue of getting paid the right amount. Errors are not uncommon. Insurers calculate benefits based on what they are told by the employers. The employers may be slow in reporting or unaware of what should be included. Our lawyers can spot these errors and help you resolve them.
One common source of error in wage loss benefits is in the calculation of the average weekly wage. This is supposed to be a 13-week average that includes base pay, overtime, bonuses, fringe benefits and income from other jobs. Unfortunately, it is frequently only calculated on base pay. This results in an underpayment of benefits.
Upon returning to work, an employer may put an employee on light duty. Light duty positions may involve pay cuts. The employee must still be getting paid 80% of their average weekly wage. If not, the insurance carrier must make up part of the difference.
Lawyers at our firm are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation. This title is only granted to a select group of attorneys. It is your evidence that we have experience navigating through the comp system to pursue the wage benefits you need.
Free Case Evaluations: Ask a Lawyer About Your Case
Contact us to schedule a free consultation about your wage loss benefits.
Legal Services Provided in English and Spanish
In addition to English speakers, our firm includes staff members who are able to offer assistance in Spanish.