Were you injured on the job in Lakeland, FL? If so, you may be entitled to compensation via a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both. Call Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, at (863) 999-9000 to schedule a free consultation with a Lakeland workplace accident lawyer.
We know how overwhelming recovering from these types of accidents can be. For more than 25 years, we’ve helped hardworking people in Lakeland and across Polk County get back on their feet after serious on-the-job injuries.
We’ve recovered millions for injured workers and their families and know what it takes to hold employers, insurance companies, and third parties accountable. We’ll advocate for you every step of the way.
Why Choose Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law to Help Me After a Workplace Injury in Lakeland, Florida?
When you’re injured and facing an uncertain future in Lakeland, Florida, selecting the right lawyer is a crucial decision. We understand you need an attorney who is experienced, diligent, and compassionate.
Here’s why injured workers turn to our Lakeland personal injury attorneys:
- Over 25 years of representing workers in Lakeland and the surrounding areas
- Named among the National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 100 Trial Lawyers”
- Proud members of the Florida Justice Association
- A thorough understanding of state and federal law on workplace accidents
At our firm, you won’t be just another case file. Our Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers will take the time to listen, explain your rights, and help you build a plan to move forward with clarity and confidence. When you call us, you’ll speak with a real attorney—not just a case manager or assistant.
Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, today to arrange a free consultation.
What Is My Workplace Accident Case Worth?
The truth is that every case is different.
However, there are a number of factors that can influence the value of your case, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The type of treatment you’ll need (now and in the future)
- Whether you can return to work or if your injury affects your income long-term
- Whether someone other than your employer contributed to the accident
- The toll your injury has taken on your physical and mental well-being
We will work closely with medical providers and financial experts to get a clear picture of how the injury is impacting your life. Our goal is to make sure nothing gets overlooked so that you’re not left settling for less than what you need to recover and rebuild. You deserve compensation that truly reflects your losses, not just what the insurance company wants to offer.
Understanding Your Legal Options: Workers’ Comp vs. Third-Party Claims
Florida law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’re hurt on the job, this insurance is supposed to cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, even if no one was technically “at fault.”
Workers’ compensation, however, has limitations. It does not cover pain and suffering or complete lost wages, and you typically cannot file a lawsuit against your employer.
That said, you might still have a separate claim if someone else contributed to your injury. For example:
- If you were hurt by faulty machinery or equipment, the manufacturer may be responsible.
- If you were injured by a negligent driver while on the job, you might have a case against them.
- If you slipped and fell on a third party’s unsafe property, that could be a premises liability claim.
These “third-party” claims can offer a path to additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides, and our firm will explore every possible avenue to get you what you deserve.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Workplace Accident?
After a workplace injury, you might be entitled to more than you think. Depending on how you were hurt, you could seek compensation through workers’ comp, a third-party lawsuit, or both.
Workers’ comp benefits may include:
- Medical treatment and rehab
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Partial wage replacement
A third-party claim may give you the chance to recover the following types of damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible financial losses you’ve experienced because of your injury. That can include losses like past and future medical bills, lost wages if you’ve been unable to work, reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your job, rehabilitation and therapy, and even property damage. Because these losses have a direct monetary value, they’re typically easier to calculate and prove.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages focus on the personal side of your recovery: the pain and suffering that typically doesn’t show up on a bill or invoice. That includes physical pain, emotional suffering, stress, anxiety, mental anguish, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
If your injury has impacted your relationship with a spouse or partner, you may also be able to seek compensation for loss of consortium—the loss of emotional connection, support, and shared life experiences.
These damages may be harder to quantify, but they’re just as real and important.
Before making any decisions that could impact your recovery, it’s crucial to speak with an attorney who understands the complexities of both workers’ compensation and personal injury law.
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, we will take the time to carefully assess your situation, examine every relevant detail, and provide clear, straightforward guidance tailored to your circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Workplace Accident Lawyer?
Navigating medical bills and lost wages due to injury is stressful enough without added legal fee worries. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No Upfront Costs: You pay no legal fees out of pocket.
- Paid Only if You Win: Our fees will be a percentage of your compensation. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
This ensures you can seek justice without financial risk, making quality legal representation accessible and reflecting our commitment to your fair recovery.
Can I Still Recover Compensation Even if I Was Partly at Fault for the Accident?
If you file a workers’ comp claim, your degree of fault won’t impact your claim. As long as you weren’t drunk, on drugs, or intentionally trying to get hurt, you can still qualify for benefits, even if the accident was partially your fault.
However, for personal injury claims, Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 51% responsible for the accident. Even if you’re partly to blame, you might still have a strong case, and we’ll help you understand your options.
What Are Common Causes of Workplace Accidents?
We’ve helped workers across many industries—from construction and manufacturing to office jobs and healthcare. Some of the most common causes we see include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops
- Slips and trips on slick floors or messy walkways
- Machinery or equipment accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries (like carpal tunnel)
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Electrocution or electrical burns
- Getting hit by falling tools, boxes, or debris
This list isn’t exhaustive, of course. Many other types of incidents can lead to serious injuries and financial setbacks. Other causes include vehicle accidents while on the clock, violent acts or assaults in the workplace, overexertion from heavy lifting, and even psychological injuries from stressful work environments.
We understand the diverse nature of workplace incidents and are equipped to handle cases stemming from any on-the-job injury. No matter how your accident occurred, if it happened while you were on the job, we encourage you to reach out to us for a free evaluation of your case.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Injuries
Even so-called “minor” workplace injuries can have long-lasting effects. We’ve handled cases involving:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Burns and electrical injuries
- Amputations
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Vision or hearing loss
- PTSD and emotional trauma
Whether your injury is temporary or life-changing, obvious or invisible, we will take your pain and your future seriously. We’ll also ensure that your diagnosis and care are documented correctly, which is key to getting your claim approved.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workplace Accident Claim in Florida?
If you wait too long, you could lose your right to benefits or compensation altogether.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Workers’ comp: You must report the injury to your employer within 30 days, and you typically have two years to file a formal workers’ comp claim.
- Third-party personal injury lawsuit: Typically, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.
The sooner you act, the better. Evidence fades, memories blur, and delays can affect your case. Even if you’re unsure about what to do next, reaching out to a lawyer early on can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Contact Our Lakeland Workplace Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt on the job, you’re probably facing many questions and a lot of stress. Let us take some of that weight off your shoulders.
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, we’ve spent decades fighting for injured workers across Lakeland and Polk County. We’ll guide you through every step, handle the paperwork, deal with the insurance company, and fight to get you the money and support you need to heal. We have decades of experience and have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
Call now to arrange a free consultation with a Lakeland workplace accident lawyer.