Sarasota Workers' Comp Guide: Your Rights After a Work Injury

Sarasota and Bradenton have grown fast, and much of that growth is built by construction crews, landscapers, and service workers who are especially exposed to on-the-job injuries. Health care and senior living facilities are also major employers, where lifting injuries are common.

Kotler Law represents workers throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Most of the claim process happens by phone, email, and video, so distance from our office is rarely an obstacle.

Common work injuries we see in Sarasota

Most of our Sarasota and Sarasota County clients work in these fields:

• Residential construction and roofing
• Senior living, nursing, and home health care
• Landscaping, lawn care, and tree work
• Restaurants, resorts, and beach tourism
• Retail and delivery

What to do after a work injury in Sarasota

1. Report it in writing within 30 days. Tell your supervisor what happened, when, and which body parts were hurt. Keep a copy.
2. 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.
3. Be careful with recorded statements. The adjuster may ask for one early. Inaccurate or incomplete answers are often used later to deny benefits.
4. 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.
5. 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

Sarasota clients can meet us at our St. Petersburg office, about an hour north over the Sunshine Skyway, or by phone and video.

Related decisions on our blog

• Gold v. Cracker Barrel: the 120-day rule and hip treatment
• Wright v. Eagle Roofing: knee replacement after a 120-day waiver
• Connor v. Beall's: temporary partial disability awarded

Sarasota 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.

What if my employer says I'm an independent contractor?

Many construction and landscaping workers are labeled contractors when the law may treat them as employees, or when a general contractor is responsible as a statutory employer. Do not assume you are not covered until someone has reviewed the facts.

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 Sarasota? 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.