THE LAW OFFICES OF PATTOK & NAVARRO

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Attorneys Pattok and Navarro represent injured workers and dependents of those who have tragically lost their lives in a work-related injury. Every day we work hard to restore the family balance that can be lost when an employee simply goes to work, does their job, and then all of a sudden gets hurt on the job through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, we see firsthand how the insurance companies stack the cards against the injured worker. We take this personally. Attorneys Pattok and Navarro aggressively advocate for our clients to bring them the medical care and wage loss benefits that they desperately need and deserve.

When you are injured on the job, you may have additional claims that are known as "third-party claims". For example, if while on the job, you become involved in a motor vehicle accident and the other driver is at fault, you may pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault driver. Additionally, if you were injured because of a product defect, such as a faulty ladder, you may be able to file a third-party action against the manufacturer of the ladder. It is important to note that these claims take place in civil court and not in the Workers' Compensation system. Additionally, if you file a third-party suit, you may have to pay back the Employer and it's Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier for any damages won in that suit.

Additionally, Florida law prohibits employers from retaliating against you because you had an on the job injury. When you file a Workers' Compensation claim, you are simply requesting benefits from the insurance company or employer, if self-insured. You are not filing a lawsuit directly against the employer. However, if you are subsequently terminated or harassed following your work-related injury, you may have an additional claim that is known as a "retaliation" or "wrongful termination" claim. This claim takes place in civil court and is outside of the Workers' Compensation system.