At The Right Spinal Clinic, we offer comprehensive Worker's Compensation and Federal Worker's Compensation care and treatment.
Being injured at work can be an overwhelming experience. Not only will you worry about your injuries, you worry about your family, income, and medical bills as well.
We understand how important it is for you to quickly get back to full health. You need a well-functioning body not only for work but to enjoy your daily life.
In the Florida Worker's Compensation System, you have to be at work, doing your work-related responsibilities, for your injury or illness to be qualified.
Here are some of the most common Worker's Compensation claim:
A Worker's Compensation can be denied for a lot of reasons including the following:
The first thing you need to do is to make a formal written report to your employer. You only have 30 days from the onset of your work-related injury to do so. Otherwise, you will lose your rights to the worker's compensation benefits. This is also the best time to obtain all the details regarding your injury. If you got involved in a work-related accident, take photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident.
When you are speaking to your doctor, make sure that you thoroughly describe the symptoms of your condition. Unfortunately, not all doctors treat work-related injuries. That's why if you request an appointment, make sure that you specify the nature of your visit.
At The Right Spinal Clinic, we accept online appointments and walk-ins for your work-related injuries. You'll also be provided with the complete and proper documentation you need for filing a claim. These documentations are needed to validate your injury, making it hard for your employer to dispute your claim.
After receiving a diagnosis and making a formal report, you and your employer will fill out the DWC-1 form. The purpose of the DWC-1 form is to gather information about the injured employee, employer, accident, and the work-related injury sustained. Once the form has been filled out, it should then be submitted directly to the insurance company.
If your employer doesn't report to the insurance company, or if there's a dispute to your claim, it would be best to consult a lawyer. Your lawyer will make sure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under the Florida Worker's Compensation Act. They would also help you with filing an appeal if ever your claim gets denied.
The Federal Worker's Compensation does not cover injuries or illnesses caused by activities outside of work such as commuting and any personal activities. The following would also deny your rights to the Federal Worker's Compensation:
Same as the State's Worker's Compensation, you have to notify your supervisor with your work-related injury. You have only 30 days as from the date of the injury to file a claim. Unless it's a life-threatening emergency, then you should go to the hospital immediately.
Get medical attention from a physician who is familiar with the process for the federal worker's compensation. At The Right Spinal Clinic, our doctors and staff are experienced in handling work-related injuries on federal employees. We are willing to assist you with the process and provide you with quality care and treatments.
If your injury is considered a "traumatic injury" fill out the Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation (CA-1) form.
If the injury you sustained is considered an "occupational disease or illness", fill out the Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation (CA-2) form.
Once done, submit the form to your department head. They will then fill out their portion on the form and send it to the Office of Worker's Compensation Programs (OWCP) district office.
If you need help filing your claim or your claim gets denied, you can consult with an attorney. Your attorney can help you get the maximum benefits you are eligible to receive.