A LITTLE VICTORY FOR FLORIDA WORK COMP CLAIMANTS

Florida Supreme Court Decides Emma Murray v. Mariner Health

Until yesterday, the workers compensation insurance carriers in Florida could pay tens of thousands of dollars to their attorneys to fight an issue with an injured worker. However, Florida law held that the injured worker's attorney could only earn $1,500.00 if they wanted to fight an issue for their client. The Florida Supreme Court has now changed this!!

Now, the injured worker's attorney is entitled to a "reasonable" attorneys' fee decided by the Judge of Compensation Claims if they have to fight the insurance company for workers' compensation benefits. Prior to the Florida Supreme Court's decision, claimant attorneys' were only able to earn $5 to $8 an hour to fight in some cases--making it impossible for the injured worker to obtain legal help.

Finally, a bit of justice in the Florida workers' compensation system. But, it still needs work. Injured workers are not getting the medical care they deserve. Injured workers do not have the ability to have a second opinion. Injured workers are not being properly compensated for lost time. We need more change, but we'll take this baby step now.

If you have been injured in a Florida workers' compensation claim, you do have a few rights! It is important that you talk with an attorney about them. For more information about your rights after a Florida workers comp claim, click here.