Are you out of work because you’ve suffered injuries in a work-related accident in Stuart, FL? Call Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers at (772) 444-7000 today for a free consultation. Our experienced Stuart workers’ compensation lawyers can help you seek the benefits you deserve.
Contact us to learn how we fight for the rights and best interests of injured workers and their families after workplace accidents that result in life-changing injuries. Our legal team has recovered over $500 million in damages. With over 80 years of experience, we will relentlessly advocate for you.
Why Choose Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to Help With My Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Stuart, FL?
If you’ve been hurt on the job in Stuart, Florida, it’s important to take prompt action to protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Employees turn to Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers because they know that our Stuart workers’ compensation attorneys are capable of handling high-stakes claims.
Members of our legal team have been recognized by:
- Super Lawyers
- The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
With hundreds of five-star reviews on Google, our law firm has a reputation you can trust. We can provide compassionate, personalized representation because a workers’ compensation claim is about more than bills—it’s your story and your future. There’s limited time to pursue benefits, so don’t hesitate to contact our Stuart personal injury attorneys to arrange a free consultation.
Understanding Florida’s Workers’ Compensation System
Injuries from a workplace accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. Unlike a personal injury lawsuit—which can take months or years—Florida’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide injured employees with medical care and partial wage replacement more quickly.
In Florida, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, including businesses with four or more employees and construction companies with at least one employee. This system allows qualifying workers to receive benefits without proving fault.
In exchange, employees generally give up the right to sue their employers, except in limited circumstances. Overall, the system is designed to balance the needs of injured workers with protections for employers.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation isn’t available to everyone. There are minimum requirements that have to be met before you can receive benefits.
You must:
- Work for an employer that’s legally required to have a workers’ compensation insurance policy
- Suffer work-related injuries
- Be classified as an employee, not an independent contractor
Employees can include full-time, part-time, and even seasonal workers. You can qualify for benefits even if you’re not on your employer’s premises at the time of your accident. For example, benefits can be awarded to employees who are injured in work-related car or truck accidents.
The key to qualification is that you must be engaged in job-related activities when you get hurt. Running errands for your boss would qualify, but picking up groceries on your lunch break would not.
What Types of Accidents Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?
We advocate for workers who’ve suffered all types of injuries in workplace accidents in Florida, including:
- Construction accidents
- Manufacturing accidents
- Warehouse accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Transportation accidents
- Truck accidents
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Maintenance accidents
- Agriculture accidents
- Healthcare accidents
- Nursing home accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Stuart understand the unique rules and procedures that apply to benefit claims and know the tactics the insurance company will use to lower or deny your benefits. We’ll invest our decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of Florida workers’ compensation laws to help you achieve the best outcome possible.
What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Provide To Injured Workers in Stuart?
Workers’ compensation benefits fall into two main categories: medical and wage replacement.
Medical Expenses
Any reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your workplace injury should be covered by workers’ compensation. This can include emergency room care, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, rehabilitation, surgery, medical devices, and other medical bills.
You’ll typically have to obtain care from plan-approved healthcare providers if you want the expenses to be covered by workers’ compensation. This can limit your ability to pick your doctor and manage your treatment plan.
Wage Replacement Benefits
Several types of wage replacement benefits can be awarded, depending on the severity of your injury and how it affects your ability to work. Wage replacement benefits may include the following:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits: You can receive TTD benefits if you’re unable to work in any capacity for a week or longer. Benefits are the equivalent of two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW), subject to statutory caps. For 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,358.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits: These benefits can help cover the difference if you earn less after an injury because you work fewer hours or a lower-paying light-duty job.
- Impairment Income Benefits (IIB): These benefits can help when you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement but still struggle with some level of impairment or disability. You’ll receive an Impairment Rating, which will be used to determine how long you can receive IIB benefits.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits: These benefits are only permitted if your injuries leave you permanently unable to work. Benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage and can be paid until you reach age 75.
However, workers’ compensation may not cover everything. If someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, you may also have a personal injury claim for additional compensation, including damages for pain and suffering and more of your lost income.
How Much Does It Cost to Pursue a Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
It doesn’t cost anything out of your own pocket to hire an attorney at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to help with your claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Our contingency-fee-based services mean we don’t get paid unless we recover money for your claim.
If we win, our attorney fees (and any invested costs in litigation) will be deducted from your financial recovery. At the end of the day, this provides you with a low-risk way to obtain the legal assistance you need.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida?
You have to notify your employer of your work-related injury within 30 days of getting hurt. Then, as stated in Florida Statutes Section 440.19, you’ll generally have two years from the date you suffered an injury to file a claim for benefits.
The statute of limitations has few exceptions, so it’s important to take prompt action. If you miss the filing deadline, you run the risk of forfeiting valuable benefits to help you on your road to recovery.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
While you’re not required to hire a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights, ensure your claim is filed correctly, and guide you through Florida’s complex system. They can also gather evidence, calculate the full value of your benefits, and handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
If your claim is denied or your benefits are reduced, an attorney can step in to challenge the decision and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Ultimately, having a lawyer on your side can help level the playing field and give you the best chance at securing full and fair benefits.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Stuart Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
It’s important for you to get financial support when you’ve been hurt in the workplace in Stuart, Florida. Turning to the trustworthy Stuart workers’ compensation attorneys at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers can help you file a successful legal claim and maximize your benefits. Backed by 80 years of combined experience and over $500 million, we have a strong track record of results.
Reach out to our law office today to arrange a complimentary consultation.
