There is always a risk of injury at work regardless of the type of job you have. Of course, some jobs are prone to more accidents than others, like jobs where you have to operate heavy equipment, construction jobs like roofing, drywall etc. Indoor jobs like warehouse and manufacturing plants. And outdoor jobs like landscaping, plumbing, HVAC etc. All injuries even minor injuries can become significant if left untreated while major injuries may take time to fully heal, if ever. For people injured on the job or while at work, federal and state governments offer protection. Workers’ compensation laws are just part of these protection efforts. Sometimes filing an injury claim is the only way to get the medical treatment and compensation you deserve.
At Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis our workplace accident injury lawyers will guide you through the legal process. We take the time to learn all about the accident, injuries, and the impact of the injuries on quality of life. We take the all facts and circumstances into consideration when determining all your legal rights and options. Contact us today at 561-471-2800 to schedule a Free Consultation and to learn more about how you can obtain optimal protection for an injury you suffered while working.
Our experience and expertise in handling cases involving industrial accidents, workplace injuries, and other related issues. Since 1978 we have been serving injured workers in Palm Beach County.
Our law firm emphasizes its proficiency and depth of experience in dealing with cases related to industrial accidents and workplace injuries by noting our combined century of experience in these matters. We stress an assertive approach against insurance companies, ensuring clients are fairly treated and defended against potential denials of care. Furthermore, Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis has a legal team driven by a strong dedication to advocacy and a sincere passion for assisting and defending the rights of our clients.
The firm handles a variety of personal injury cases, including but not limited to:
- Car Accidents: involving scenarios such as car vs. truck accidents, drunk driving accidents, excessive speed accidents, head-on collision accidents, highway accidents, hit & run accidents, accidents involving uninsured drivers, intersection collisions, Lyft accidents, multi-vehicle crashes, rear-end accidents, rollover accidents, side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents), and Uber accidents.
- Truck Accidents: including delivery truck accidents, and information on parties who could be responsible for injuries in truck accidents. - Motorcycle Accidents: providing guidance on actions to be taken post-motorcycle accidents, particularly focusing on back injuries, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and slip-and-fall injuries.
- Slip-and-Fall Injuries: the firm assists those who have been affected by slip-and-fall accidents, outlining appropriate steps to take after such incidents, including specific attention to slip-and-fall cases in grocery stores.
In various areas such as family law, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and social security disability, there are a range of legal services available to address specific needs. These services encompass a diverse range of legal matters, including representation in family law cases such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. For medical malpractice cases, legal services may involve investigating and pursuing claims against healthcare providers for negligence or malpractice. In instances of nursing home abuse, legal services may entail advocating for the rights of the elderly and seeking compensation for harm caused by mistreatment or neglect in nursing homes. Additionally, in social security disability cases, legal services may assist individuals in navigating the complex process of applying for and appealing disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
The Law Offices of Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis offers legal representation for a variety of work-related injuries. We provide services to clients who have suffered from industrial accidents, workplace accidents, back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, construction accidents, and repetitive trauma. Additionally, we specialize in any and all types of personal injury cases and other related claims. Importantly, our consultation is complimentary, and we operate on a contingency basis, meaning clients DO NOT PAY for their services unless the law firm secures a settlement on their behalf.
Workplace accidents involve unexpected incidents that result in an employee sustaining an injury or illness in the course of performing their job.
Compensation for workplace accidents is typically covered by state-mandated workers’ compensation insurance. Any business with 4 or more employees is mandated to carry workers’ compensation insurance in Florida.
There are some scenarios that fall outside the scope of workers’ compensation laws. These include accidents that occur when an employee is:
Traveling to and from work
On a break outside of the workplace
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work
Play fighting at work
At a work social event after hours
Whether workers’ compensation is available depends on the specific facts of a case, and there are always exceptions to the above exclusions that is why an experienced workers’ compensation law firm like Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis is your advocate for work related injuries. If you’ve been injured during the course of your work, you should speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in our firm. We have seen clients from all over Palm Beach County and the cities of Lake Worth, Wellington, Greenacres, Lantana, Boynton Beach, Palm Springs, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton. If you have been injured at work, call Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis at 561-471-2800 to find out if you are eligible for workers’ compensation.
Common workplace accidents include:
Falls, trips, or slips
Vehicle-related accidents
Machinery-related accidents
Falling objects
Explosions or fire
Electric shocks or electrocution
Exposure to hazardous materials
Overexertion
Repetitive stress
Warehouse Injuries
Falling from a roof
Hit by a vehicle
The injuries caused by these common workplace accidents can range from temporary, minor ailments to severe, long-term conditions.
Examples of common workplace injuries include:
Sprains/Strains
Broken bones or fractures
Head, neck, and back injuries
Crushed limbs
Burns
Cuts
Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries
Concussions
Loss of limb or digits
If you sustain any of these as a result of a workplace injury, you should consider seeking compensation via either workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit. The lawyers at Vassallo, Bilotta and Davis are experience in all types of accidents.
Occupations with the Most Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps track of employer-related workplace injuries and illnesses. Below is a list of occupations that routinely have high rates of workplace injuries.
Nursing assistants
Heavy truck and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers
Light truck drivers
Construction laborers
Maintenance and repair workers
Stockers and order fillers
Janitors and cleaners
Registered nurses
Retail salespersons
In most instances, when you are injured while working in any of these occupations or any other, workers’ compensation offers protection, but sometimes, as mentioned, a personal injury lawsuit may be the better legal option in certain situations.
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance taken out by an employer that compensates employees for injuries and illness within the course and scope of their employment. Here in Florida employers with 4 or more full time employees are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, it doesn’t matter who is at fault as long as the injury occurred as a result of a workplace accident (as defined by the specific policy).
By comparison, a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit must prove negligence on behalf of the defendant to succeed. While harder to establish, a personal injury lawsuit allows a plaintiff to seek full compensation.
The benefits available via workers’ compensation, on the other hand, are limited. Importantly, you can’t recover damages for pain and suffering via workers’ compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Claim vs Personal Injury Lawsuit
It is often clear when you should file a workers’ compensation claim versus a personal injury lawsuit, but other times, the circumstances are such that it is not so clear. Here are some suggestions.
When to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If an employer has workers’ compensation, employees generally don’t have the right to sue their employer directly. They can only make a claim via workers’ compensation.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
There can be exceptions to this, such as where an employer’s intentional act caused an injury. If an employer isn’t subject to mandatory workers’ comp (or doesn’t have it but is required to have it), then you can file a personal injury lawsuit.
When to File Both Claims
There are also situations where you may consider filing both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit. This is a huge reason why you need an experience law firm like Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis. This can happen when a person has a compensable work injury and is covered by workers' compensation insurance. But the injury, though it happened at work, was caused by a third party (e.g., a contractor who is not employed by the injured party’s employer). The injured employee can sue the third party in a personal injury lawsuit. When this option is available, the injured party may be able to recover a fairer or more just compensation package from the personal injury claim.
The compensation available to you for a workplace injury depends on whether you file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. As you will see, what you can recover under a workers’ compensation claim is less than what you could receive under a personal injury claim, that’s why it is critical to know what is the best legal option in your specific situation. This is why an experienced workers compensation law firm like Vassallo, Bilotta and Davis can help you make the correct decision.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation focuses on income protection and typically covers:
Lost income
Medical bills
Temporary and permanent disability benefits
Vocational rehabilitation
You can recover the costs of your economic expenses but will not recover for the toll it takes on your quality of life. According to the passage, an individual who sustains a work-related injury is entitled to several compensation benefits. First, all medical expenses incurred due to the injury are fully covered. Additionally, the individual is eligible for wage compensation benefits, which are calculated based on the individual's average weekly wage, although there is a cap at the maximum weekly wage determined by the workers’ compensation division. These wage benefits continue only until the individual is cleared by a doctor to return to work. If the doctor allows the injured individual to return on a part-time basis initially, the compensation will then be adjusted to cover the difference between the part-time earnings and the individual's regular weekly wage. Throughout this process, a work injury compensation lawyer will provide guidance and support to ensure that the individual receives all the benefits to which they are entitled.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Compensation available through a personal injury suit is usually higher, as it includes damages for pain and suffering, which can be substantial. Punitive damages may also be available to you in a personal injury case.
However, the circumstances of your case may prevent you from filing a personal injury lawsuit. On the other hand, when you are able to file a personal injury lawsuit, you need to prove negligence on the part of the defendant before damages will be ordered. Again our firm is experienced in personal injury and workers’ compensation laws.
What to do after a workplace injury in Florida depends on the circumstances, but generally, you should:
Report the accident and/or injury or illness immediately to a supervisor – reporting it in writing is preferable so that you can start a paper trail.
If the injury or illness requires it, you should seek medical attention immediately – even when the injury is minor, seeking medical care is important because it continues the documentation process of the accident that you may need when you file a claim to recover compensation. Remember that documentation is key to any case.
Follow any doctor’s orders or medical care plan – if you do not, then this creates vulnerabilities and may result in a denial of a claim. If the doctor tells you to stay out of work, then notify your employer immediately.
Collect evidence, like names of eye witnesses, statements, pictures, video, etc. – in fact, if the circumstances allow it, take your own pictures of the scene of the accident, the injuries you sustained, and any other details that may be important.
Contact Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis as soon as possible – you may not think you need a personal injury or workers’ comp attorney, but it never hurts to speak to one, especially when there are statutes of limitations limiting the time you have to file a claim.
Contact Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis as soon as possible after an injury, you may not think you need a personal injury or workers' comp attorney, but it never hurts to speak to one, especially when there are statutes of limitations limiting the time you have to file a claim. To ensure that you receive comprehensive assistance in navigating the complexities of the workers' compensation insurance claim process, our dedicated team at Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis offers a range of services tailored to your needs. Our experienced workplace injury attorneys will help you understand workers' compensation benefits, guide you through filing a workers' compensation claim, and assist you in submitting wage and hour claims. To secure the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones after any workplace accident, it is vital to pursue the most suitable legal option. Contact us today either by filling out the online form, chat widget, or calling us at 561-471-2800 to schedule a Free Consultation Today.
Clients highly recommend our law firm and its attorneys for workers' compensation cases due to their exceptional service and professional diligence. Key reasons include the following:
1. Outstanding Legal Expertise and Advice: Clients appreciate the high level of expertise and advice provided, which is evident in the handling of their cases. This ensures that clients receive informed guidance through the complexities of workers' compensation law.
2. Excellent Communication and Accessibility: The attorneys are praised for their great communication skills. They maintain transparency and keep clients well-informed throughout the process, ensuring that clients understand each step and are aware of the progress of their cases.
3. Commitment to Client Interests: The firm's attorneys are noted for their dedication to the best interests of their clients. They are thorough, ensuring each case is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail, aiming for the most favorable outcomes.
4. Timeliness and Follow-Through: Clients are impressed with the timeliness of responses from their attorneys. The legal team consistently follows through on their promises and commitments, which builds trust and reassures clients that their cases are being handled efficiently.
Overall, the combination of legal acumen, dedicated client service, and operational excellence makes this law firm a preferred choice for individuals seeking legal assistance in workers' compensation cases.
Our clients were satisfied with the attorneys' thorough communication, consistent updates, and clear explanations throughout the legal process, ensuring they understood each step and felt their best interests were prioritized.
The clients expressed high satisfaction, noting that if possible, they would choose to work with their attorneys again due to the excellent service provided.
The clients described our attorneys as patient, helpful, and great at dealing with cases, indicating a positive and supportive demeanor and approach.
Our clients appreciated the attorneys at Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis for their patience, great handling of cases, accessibility, thorough follow-up, helpfulness throughout the case process, and keeping clients well-informed step by step.
The attorneys mentioned are Brian Vassallo, Joseph Bilotta and the paralegal and clerical staff.
Debra Wilson
My attorney was Brian V. Him and his team were great. They kept me updated with any information that was going on. they contacted me when I had doctor appointments. before we had any zoom calls. They made sure they communicated with me to let me know what was going on before we move forward on any day. He was very easy to talk to. He let me know what was going to happen before it happened. I was very pleased with him and his office I would recommend him to anybody they were great team to work with.
Fays Credit Repair Services LLC
Mr. Joseph is the best! I swear he answers every email every call and he’s a great person. I know I worked his nerves but he still was there when needed. I will always support him
Jeremiah Vazquez
The process was easy for me, the advice was not perfect, but who is perfect? I will say, Joseph, when I finally spoke to him , was exactly what I expected and needed. I believe had he and I spoke more through the process, the outcome would have been better for the firm, Joseph, and myself. I gave 4 stars because I know had he and I been able to collaborate and communicate more our outcome could have been exponentially greater! If you choose this law firm, demand a more personal approach!! Joe, call me if you want more feedback!
William S
My attorney, Brian and his staff are phenomenal. They were patient, kind and thoroughly explained the process. There was constant communication and I believe that we were awarded the best settlement possible. My best decision was choosing this team in the first place. Thank you.
Georgette Morris
It was an interesting journey to work with Mr. Brian Vassallo and his team, they were truly amazing. They kept me update about everything, Mr. Brian Vassallo and his team went above and beyond for me. I truly appreciate them, they are professional, patient, dedicated, supportive, and respectful. I admire their passion and drive as they represented me. I would recommend Mr. Brian Vassallo, Miss Danielle Van Horn, and Miss Jackie De La Cruz they are a force to be reckoned with. The warmth that you feel talking with them it's like you're a part of the family and I love that about their Law Firm. You are included in everything. Thank you much team I thank Jesus every day for wonderful people like you guys. I truly appreciate all of you and Mr. Brian Vassallo hats of to you thank you for everything I will never be able to pay you for the kindness and support you and the team showed I never once felt alone.
Elizabeth Lathourakis
I had a very good experience with this law firm. All of the attorneys are very efficient and knowledgeable. My case was finalized very quickly and to my expectations. I highly recommend them L Lath
La Cangri
Brian Vassallo, Joe Bilotta and late Laura Garner and Danielle, Margaret and the rest of the staff are what makes this law office so successful and professional. They helped my husband win 2 cases and were so caring to all his health needs as he recovered. I definitely recommend them 1,000 percent all the way. Thank you. R Raises/ J Raises
Kathy “Kate” Trujillo
I appreciate the the law office of Brian Vassallo VERY MUCH! Their efforts and professionalism made a difficult situation with a Estate much more tolerable. I especially appreciate all the help that Margaret Schobel did on behalf of my family.. Margaret was so patient and kind addressing all my questions and concerns! If you find yourself in need of a Estate Lawyer, do yourself a favor and give these "PROS" a call, you will be HAPPY YOU DID!