If you’ve been injured at work, you need a workplace injury lawyer who understands Florida’s complex compensation system and fights for your rights. The Bruner Law Firm helps injured workers in Fort Walton Beach and throughout the Florida Panhandle recover the compensation they deserve. We work on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis, so you pay nothing up front while we handle your case. Our Fort Walton Beach office is ready to fight for you.
Why Choose The Bruner Law Firm for Your Workplace Injury Claim
The Bruner Law Firm has represented injured workers for over 30 years. Founded in 1992, our firm has grown into a multi-generational family practice with five experienced attorneys serving the Florida Panhandle from four office locations. We only represent injured workers and their families and never represent insurance companies or employers. This exclusive focus means your interests always come first.
Our attorneys bring impressive credentials to your case. Drew Gordy Bruner holds the Super Lawyer designation from Thomson Reuters and carries an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He’s also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, placing him in the top 1% of lawyers nationwide. Vincent Michael Bruner, our founding partner, served as a Florida State Senator and brings 40 years of legal experience to complex injury cases. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your case at no cost.
What Qualifies as a Workplace Injury in Florida
A workplace injury occurs when you suffer harm while performing job duties or in a work-related accident. In Florida, workplace injuries include acute injuries from sudden accidents and occupational diseases that develop over time from job conditions. Common workplace injuries include construction site accidents, equipment-related injuries, falls from heights, repetitive strain injuries, and occupational diseases like asbestos exposure.
Florida’s workers’ compensation system covers most workplace injuries, but you may have additional legal claims beyond workers’ compensation. If a third party caused your injury, such as a negligent contractor, a manufacturer of defective equipment, or a property owner with unsafe conditions, you can pursue a separate lawsuit. Understanding the difference between workers’ compensation claims and third-party liability claims is crucial to recovering full compensation for your injuries.
Types of Workplace Injuries We Handle
The Bruner Law Firm represents workers injured in virtually every type of workplace accident. Construction site injuries represent a significant portion of our practice. We handle falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, struck-by accidents, electrocution injuries, and equipment failures on job sites. These injuries often involve multiple liable parties and complex safety violations.
We also represent workers with catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries that cause partial or complete paralysis, traumatic brain injuries that affect cognitive function and earning capacity, and severe burn injuries from fires or chemical exposure. Repetitive strain injuries develop gradually from repetitive motions and poor ergonomics. Equipment-related injuries occur when machinery fails or lacks proper safety guards. Occupational diseases like mesothelioma from asbestos exposure or lung disease from chemical inhalation develop over years of workplace exposure. We also handle wrongful death claims when workplace accidents prove fatal, helping families recover compensation for their loss.
How Third-Party Workplace Injury Claims Work
Workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, but it limits your recovery. You receive medical benefits and wage replacement, but you cannot recover pain and suffering damages. Third-party liability claims allow you to pursue additional compensation when someone other than your employer caused your injury.
You can sue a third party if their negligence caused your workplace injury. Examples include a contractor who failed to follow safety protocols, a manufacturer who produced defective equipment, a property owner who maintained unsafe conditions, or a coworker employed by a different company. The process begins with investigating the accident to identify all liable parties. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case. We then negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company or file a lawsuit if necessary. Third-party claims can result in significantly higher compensation than workers’ compensation alone, including pain and suffering damages.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury
Your actions immediately after a workplace injury significantly impact your case. First, report your injury to your employer right away, even if it seems minor. Prompt reporting creates an official record and protects your workers’ compensation rights. Seek medical attention immediately, documenting all injuries and treatment. Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and time away from work.
Contact The Bruner Law Firm for a free consultation as soon as possible. Timing matters because Florida law imposes deadlines for filing claims. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and guide you through the process. Don’t delay; the sooner we begin investigating, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Compensation You May Recover
Workplace injury compensation includes several components. Medical expenses cover all necessary treatment, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. Lost wages replace income you lose while unable to work. Disability benefits provide ongoing payments if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job. In third-party liability claims, you can recover pain and suffering damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Permanent injury compensation addresses long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your earning capacity. If your injury proves fatal, your family can recover wrongful death benefits.
The Bruner Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we charge no upfront fees. We recover our fees only if we win your case or reach a settlement. This arrangement ensures we’re fully invested in obtaining the maximum compensation for you. View our case results and settlements to see how we’ve helped injured workers recover compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?
In most cases, no. Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides immunity to employers, preventing you from suing them directly. However, you can pursue claims against third parties whose negligence caused your injury. If your employer intentionally caused your injury or violated specific safety statutes, limited exceptions may apply. The Bruner Law Firm evaluates your case to identify all potential defendants.
What if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
A denied claim doesn’t end your options. You can appeal the denial and request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. The Bruner Law Firm handles appeals and represents you throughout the process. We also investigate whether third-party liability claims are available, which may provide additional recovery beyond workers’ compensation.
How long do I have to file a workplace injury claim?
You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. For workers’ compensation claims, you generally have 30 days to report the injury, though some exceptions exist. For third-party liability claims, Florida’s statute of limitations typically allows four years from the date of injury.
Will I have to go to court?
Many workplace injury cases settle without trial. The Bruner Law Firm negotiates aggressively with insurance companies to reach fair settlements. If the other party refuses a reasonable offer, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid to fight for you in court.
What does The Bruner Law Firm charge for representation?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we charge no fees unless we win your case or reach a settlement. Our fees come from the compensation we recover for you, aligning our interests with yours.
Can I choose my own doctor for workplace injuries?
In workers’ compensation cases, your employer’s insurance company typically selects your initial treating physician. However, you have the right to request a change of physician. For third-party liability claims, you can choose your own medical providers. The Bruner Law Firm can advise you on your specific rights based on your case circumstances.
Contact The Bruner Law Firm for Your Free Consultation
Don’t navigate a workplace injury alone. The Bruner Law Firm provides free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Call (850) 243-2222 today to speak with an experienced workplace injury lawyer.
We also serve clients from our Panama City, Niceville, and Santa Rosa Beach offices. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. Request your free case evaluation today.
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