Hurt at Work in St. Petersburg? A Local Workers' Comp Guide

St. Petersburg is home to Kotler Law's main office, so this is the city where we meet most of our clients face to face. If you were hurt on the job anywhere in St. Pete, from downtown restaurants to the hospitals along 4th Street, Florida's workers' compensation system is supposed to cover your medical care and part of your lost wages.

In practice, the employer's insurance carrier controls which doctors you see and decides when benefits start and stop. Knowing the rules early makes a big difference in how your claim goes.

Common work injuries we see in St. Petersburg

Most of our St. Petersburg and Pinellas County clients work in these fields:

• Hospitals, clinics, and home health care
• Restaurants, hotels, and hospitality along the waterfront
• Construction, roofing, and hurricane repair
• Marine trades, marinas, and boat repair
• Public employers such as the city, county, and transit

What to do after a work injury in St. Petersburg

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

Our main office is at 9800 4th St N, Suite 200, in north St. Petersburg, with easy access from I-275 and Gandy Boulevard.

Related decisions on our blog

• Jackson v. Pinellas Suncoast Transit: shoulder surgery authorized
• Messenger v. Pinellas County: prescription claim denied
• Maldonado v. Delta Air Lines: the statute of limitations

St. Petersburg 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.

Where are Pinellas County workers' comp cases heard?

Disputes over Florida workers' compensation benefits are decided by a Judge of Compensation Claims. Pinellas County claims are currently handled through the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims district office in Tampa, and many mediations and hearings can be attended remotely.

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 St. Petersburg? 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.