Every shift presents new challenges for nurses. Moving patients, responding to emergencies, standing for hours and handling medical equipment can all lead to unexpected injuries.
Whether you ultimately develop a back injury from repeated lifting or are hurt in a single accident, knowing your legal limitations can help you understand the next steps that you should consider taking for your financial protection and physical well-being.
Workers’ compensation is usually your best option
Florida’s workers’ compensation system helps employees who are hurt while doing their job duties. In most situations, it is not mandatory to show that your employer acted carelessly to qualify for benefits. Instead, your injury must be linked to your work.
Some of the available benefits may include:
- Granted medical treatment
- Temporary total disability payments while you cannot work
- Temporary partial disability payments if you return at reduced earnings
- Impairment income benefits for a lasting medical impairment
- Permanent total disability benefits in qualifying cases
- Reemployment services if you cannot go back to work as a nurse
- Reimbursement for travel to authorized medical appointments
After a workplace injury, notify your employer as quickly as possible. Under Florida law, injured employees generally have 30 days to report a work-related injury.
What next after your workers’ compensation claim is denied?
Getting a claim denial can be discouraging, but it does not close all chances. Fortunately, you may still be able to:
- Challenge the insurance carrier’s decision
- Present additional medical records or supporting evidence
- Participate in mediation or other dispute resolution procedures
- Request a hearing before the appropriate workers’ compensation authority
Additionally, you may also be eligible to file a third-party claim, which may allow you to recover damages that workers’ compensation does not provide.
Speaking with an experienced legal team can help ensure your rights are protected while aiming to pursue the full compensation you deserve.