Hollywood Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were injured at work in Hollywood, Florida, you may be entitled to medical care and wage benefits through workers’ compensation. But Florida’s rules are strict, and insurance companies often look for reasons to delay, reduce, or deny benefits. At Rosen & Ohr, P.A., we help injured workers protect their health, their income, and their rights—from the first report of injury through settlement or litigation when needed. Whether you were hurt in a slip and fall, lifting injury, construction incident, or you developed symptoms over time from repetitive work or exposure, our team can guide you through the process and deal with the insurance carrier so you can focus on getting better. If you have questions, contact us for a confidential consultation.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Serving Hollywood, FL

Florida workers’ compensation claims can move fast at the beginning—and the earliest decisions can shape the entire case. You generally must report a workplace injury within 30 days, but many work injuries are not obvious right away. For example, repetitive stress injuries, chemical exposure, or worsening pain after weeks on the job may not feel connected to work at first. That’s one reason documentation matters: what you report, when you report it, and what treatment you receive can affect your eligibility for benefits.

Just as important: in most workers’ compensation cases, your employer and its insurance company control which doctors you can see. If you go to your own doctor without authorization, you may end up responsible for the bill. We help clients follow Florida’s procedures while also pushing back when the carrier delays treatment, downplays restrictions, or disputes that the injury is work-related.

If you have been injured on the job, Florida law has specific guidelines about how and where you can obtain treatment. Employers and insurance carriers may question responsibility, and the process can feel confusing without guidance.

What to Do After a Work Injury in Hollywood

1) Report the injury and create a paper trail

Report the injury to a supervisor as soon as possible. Write down the date, time, location, witnesses, and what happened. If your symptoms developed over time, note when you first felt them and how your work duties may have contributed. Ask your employer to complete the First Report of Injury and keep copies of any documents you receive.

2) Get authorized medical treatment

In most cases, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier chooses the treating doctor. Follow the authorized treatment plan and keep notes of appointments, restrictions, prescriptions, and work status notes. If you are not improving or you believe your care is being delayed, you may have options—but timing and procedure matter.

3) Track missed work and wage benefits

Wage benefits are based on your inability to work and other factors under Florida law. You may not receive full replacement pay. If the doctor places you on restrictions, your employer may offer light duty, modified duty, or an alternate position. When restrictions are ignored or job offers are not realistic, legal help may be necessary to protect your claim.

Can I Get a Lump Sum Settlement in Florida Workers’ Compensation?

In some Florida workers’ compensation cases, a lump sum settlement may be possible—especially when the parties agree on the nature of the injury, future medical needs, and the value of benefits. But insurance carriers often resist lump sums because a settlement can close out ongoing obligations. Whether a lump sum makes sense depends on the facts of your case, including:

• Your medical status, including whether you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)
• Whether you may need future treatment, prescriptions, or specialist care
• Your work restrictions and ability to return to your prior job
• Any disputes about compensability, wage rate, or permanent impairment

A common scenario: someone is released to light duty but cannot realistically perform the offered job, or treatment is delayed while the carrier disputes the injury. In situations like these, we can evaluate settlement options, negotiate with the carrier, and make sure you understand what rights you may be giving up before you sign.

Rosen & Ohr: Hollywood Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

At Rosen & Ohr, P.A., personal injury attorneys Ronald Rosen and Jerrad Ohr and our legal team represent injured employees throughout Florida, including Hollywood and surrounding Broward County communities. We fight for clients in hearings, negotiations, and disputes with insurance carriers—especially when benefits are delayed, denied, or undervalued.

If you suffered a work-related injury, contact Rosen & Ohr, P.A. to discuss your situation. You can also review our history of results here: prior cases.

For additional information, please see:

Workers’ Compensation FAQs (Florida)

When is an impairment rating assigned?

When you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), your treating doctor must evaluate whether you have a permanent loss of function and assign an impairment rating when appropriate. This rating can affect the value of certain benefits. If your case is approaching MMI and you are still in pain, treatment is being delayed, or your restrictions do not match your actual limitations, it may be important to address those issues before the rating is finalized.

Can I choose my own doctor?

In most Florida workers’ compensation cases, no—the employer or its insurance carrier selects the authorized doctor. If you treat outside the authorized network, you may be responsible for those bills. If you are unhappy with the authorized doctor, there may be a process to request a change or another opinion, but procedure and timing matter. We can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes that can jeopardize coverage.

How are doctors and other health care providers paid?

Authorized providers must bill the workers’ compensation insurance company directly. If you receive a bill for authorized care, do not ignore it—send it to the carrier or your attorney promptly. Billing errors happen, and quick action helps prevent collections issues for treatment that should be covered.

Do I have to pay any medical costs?

Generally, the workers’ compensation carrier must pay for approved and medically necessary care. Depending on the date of injury and the type of care, small copays may apply in certain situations. If you are being asked to pay for treatment you believe should be covered, it may signal that care was not properly authorized or that the carrier is disputing part of the claim.

When will I get my first check?

Timing depends on when the carrier learns you will be disabled and how quickly paperwork is completed. Delays often happen when injuries are not reported promptly, work restrictions are unclear, or the carrier disputes whether the injury is work-related. If you have been taken out of work and checks are not arriving, you may need to escalate quickly to protect your benefits.

Are workers’ compensation benefits taxable?

Workers’ compensation benefits are generally not treated as taxable income. If you have unique circumstances—such as overlap with other benefits—it may be worth confirming how your situation should be handled.

Where does my benefit check come from?

In most cases, benefits are paid by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company (the carrier). In some situations, benefits may come directly from an employer that does not have insurance coverage.

Is my employer required to carry workers’ compensation insurance?

Florida insurance requirements depend on the employer’s industry and number of employees. Construction rules can be different than non-construction businesses. If you were injured and your employer claims there is no coverage, it is important to verify whether that is accurate and what options may exist.

Must I be released to full duty before I can return to work?

No. A doctor may release you to modified or light duty before you reach MMI. The key is whether the job offered truly fits the restrictions. If you are being pressured into work beyond your limitations, or the “light duty” role is not realistic, it can impact both your recovery and your claim.

Can my employer fire me if I’m out and receiving workers’ compensation?

An employer may terminate employment in some circumstances, but firing someone in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim can raise legal issues. Also, Florida workers’ compensation law generally does not require an employer to hold a position open indefinitely. If you believe you are being retaliated against or your job status is being used to pressure you into giving up benefits, contact Rosen & Ohr, P.A. to discuss your situation.