How long do I have to report a work injury in Florida?

Report the injury to your employer within 30 days. A petition for benefits generally must be filed within 2 years of the injury, or within 1 year of the last payment of benefits or authorized medical care, whichever is later.

Can I pick my own doctor after a work injury?

Usually not at first. The employer/carrier authorizes the treating doctors. Florida law does give you a one-time right to request a change of physician, and an attorney can help you use it at the right moment.

What does it cost to hire Kotler Law?

Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we win. In Florida workers' compensation cases, attorney's fees are regulated by statute and are typically paid from benefits recovered or by the employer/carrier.

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Clearwater Workers' Comp: What to Do After a Job Injury

Leave a Comment / Workers Comp / Yuli Kotler / Posted October 27, 2026 at 9:00 AM EDT

Clearwater's economy runs on tourism, health care, and service work, which means a lot of lifting, standing, driving, and repetitive tasks. Those are exactly the injuries insurance carriers like to question.

Kotler Law has an office on East Bay Drive in Clearwater, so North Pinellas workers from Dunedin, Largo, Safety Harbor, and Palm Harbor do not need to cross the county to get help.

Common work injuries we see in Clearwater

Most of our Clearwater and Pinellas County clients work in these fields:

Beach hotels, resorts, and restaurants
Hospital systems and medical offices
Retail, warehouses, and delivery routes
Landscaping, pool service, and property maintenance
Construction and skilled trades

What to do after a work injury in Clearwater

Report it in writing within 30 days. Tell your supervisor what happened, when, and which body parts were hurt. Keep a copy.
Get authorized medical care. In an emergency, go to the ER. Otherwise ask the employer or carrier which doctor is authorized, since unauthorized care may not be paid.
Be careful with recorded statements. The adjuster may ask for one early. Inaccurate or incomplete answers are often used later to deny benefits.
Track your lost time and wages. Wage benefits are generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a state maximum, and depend on your doctor's work restrictions.
Talk to a workers' comp lawyer before you sign anything. Settlements usually close out future medical care, so know what you are giving up.

Meeting with Kotler Law

Our Clearwater office is at 300 East Bay Dr., 2nd Floor, Clearwater, FL 33770. Call ahead so we can schedule a time to meet you there or at our St. Petersburg office.

Kotler Law, PLLC – Clearwater Office
300 East Bay Dr., 2nd Flr, PMB # 17679058
Clearwater, FL 33770
(813) 473-2618

Related decisions on our blog

Clearwater workers' comp FAQ

How long do I have to report a work injury in Florida?: Report the injury to your employer within 30 days. A petition for benefits generally must be filed within 2 years of the injury, or within 1 year of the last payment of benefits or authorized medical care, whichever is later.
Can I pick my own doctor after a work injury?: Usually not at first. The employer/carrier authorizes the treating doctors. Florida law does give you a one-time right to request a change of physician, and an attorney can help you use it at the right moment.
What does it cost to hire Kotler Law?: Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we win. In Florida workers' compensation cases, attorney's fees are regulated by statute and are typically paid from benefits recovered or by the employer/carrier.

Hurt at work in Clearwater? Request a free consultation or call (813) 473-2618. There is no fee unless we win.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its facts.