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    Work Injury West Palm Beach

    Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt

    A common misconception exists that all employees are covered by workers’ compensation insurance regardless of what kind of work they do, which employer they work for or what industry they work in. However, the law does exclude some categories of workers from coverage. While some variation exists from state to state, generally speaking, independent contractors; volunteers; federal and railroad employees and longshoremen; and business owners, partners, and sole proprietors are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Therefore, if someone working as a member of one of these exclusionary categories gets hurt on the job, they can benefit from speaking with an experienced West Palm Beach work injury lawyer at Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt about their legal options. They may be covered by workers’ comp, but if not, there may be alternative legal solutions available to them. 

    Independent Contractors

    Independent contractors are not employees as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Therefore they are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This distinction is why it is so critical to classify workers correctly. Sometimes, workers are misclassified unintentionally. Other times, employers try to pad their bottom line by misclassifying employers as contractors intentionally. If you believe you may have been misclassified and are entitled to benefits, contact a West Palm Beach work injury lawyer for legal guidance. 

    Volunteers

    Volunteers, interns, and other unpaid workers are, by definition, not employees. Consequently, they are excluded from workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Though it’s not required, some organizations do purchase coverage for these team members anyway. The exception to this rule involves volunteer first responders such as firefighters and police officers. In an emergency, any volunteers asked to help by a firefighter or a police officer are generally covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

    Federal and Railroad Employees and Longshoremen

    Federal employees, railroad employees, and longshoremen (also known as dock workers) have a form of workers’ compensation insurance. However, it operates through separate mechanisms from the traditional state system. These workers can benefit from connecting with a West Palm Beach work injury lawyer concerning how to obtain the full benefits available to them in an efficient manner. 

    • Federal employees are covered through the Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA).
    • The Federal Employers’ Liability Act covers railroad workers. This legislation is also known as the Railroad Workers Act.
    • The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act covers longshoremen who get hurt or sick from exposure to something while working on United States waters and piers.

    Business Owners, Partners, and Sole Proprietors

    In most states, the owners, partners, and sole proprietors of a company are excluded from coverage under the workers’ compensation insurance. In a few other states, these individuals can elect to buy into the workers’ compensation program by paying the applicable premiums.

    Other Excluded Workers

    State laws exempt some different types of employees from workers’ compensation coverage. Here are a few examples of workers that may need to explore alternative solutions to workers’ compensation benefits with the help of a West Palm Beach work injury lawyer in the event of a work-related injury:

    • Part-time domestic staff such as babysitters and housekeepers
    • Part-time maintenance and lawn care staff
    • Intermittent workers who work only a few hours in one year
    • Taxi drivers
    • Specific categories of agricultural workers

    For more information, or to speak with a skilled work injury lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL, call The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today!

    Client Review

    “My attorney from Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, Eric Lakind, returned my calls when I had a question or an issue. Lisa and Kim regularly communicate through emails and telephone to ensure that my injury is being taken care of and insuring that the workers’ compensation company is doing what they are supposed to be doing.”
    Ricky Jordan
    Client Review

    Contact us today for a free consultation so we can discuss your situtaion.  It is not only important to talk to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer when you have been hurt on the job, it is also the best way to make sure that you receive proper medical services and lost wages you are entitled to under the law. After all, the Workers’ Compensation law was created to protect you – the employee.

    See what Our Clients Have To Say

    Florida’s Most Trusted Workers’ Comp Attorneys

    Devin Major
    Devin Major
    August 9, 2022.
    Best team I had ever working for me I really hope anybody who needs legal advise call them
    Gregory Diggs
    Gregory Diggs
    August 4, 2022.
    I recommend this law firm to anyone with a worker's compensation case. The staff does a great job and they treat you like family. Judd Koenig was my attorney and went the extra mile and then some more securing my a nice settlement of my case.
    Cynthia Murray
    Cynthia Murray
    August 3, 2022.
    Great Attorney thank you Eric Lakind and staff Attentive, friendly, answered ever questions got results when I could not do it myself Cynthia
    Naisha Dorvilus
    Naisha Dorvilus
    August 2, 2022.
    Lisa was my lawyer she asked me questions and was very helpful. She and her team communicated with me about my cause and I'm super happy with her service.i will definitely recommend her and her company
    Jaime Ieli
    Jaime Ieli
    July 29, 2022.
    My husband was hurt and never dealt with an attorney before. He looked up attorneys online & thru the grace of God got Lissa Dorsey as his attorney & she was truly amazing! She was very involved, always returned our phone calls & made the whole process as easy for us as she possibly could while my husband treated with Dr's and started his healing process. I would recommend her to any & everyone without a doubt.
    Evelin Hernandez
    Evelin Hernandez
    July 21, 2022.
    Best law firm in Palm Beach County, Lisa and Kim were the best. I recommend this law firm to everyone.
    Tammy Dault
    Tammy Dault
    July 20, 2022.
    Wasn't sure how it would work with me being in one town and lawyer in another but it all worked out in the end thank you for all your hard work.
    Brandon moore
    Brandon moore
    July 19, 2022.
    Great understanding lawyers! They were great in getting me a fair settlement and quick to respond to any questions I had. Thanks Kim and Lisa!
    john heller
    john heller
    July 12, 2022.
    They were always responsive to my calls did an excellent job of getting everything I needed. When it came time To settle my case Andy and J did an excellent job I’m very happy with the outcome and very happy with this law firm I would highly recommend them!!!!

    Get in touch with us

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    Remember, the consultation is free, and if you choose The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt to represent you, you won’t pay for our services unless we win a settlement for you.







      By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

      Why Choose Us

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      Experience

      A combined 100 years of experience in work-related injuries 

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      We know how to fight insurance companies

      We make sure you are not taken advantage of, even when powerful insurance companies who are notorious for trying to deny your care.

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      A Passion For Advocacy

      Every person on our team has a passion for helping people and fighting for their rights.