Orlando Workers Compensation Lawyer
Best workers compensation attorney in Orlando - Fighting for injured workers throughout Central Florida since 1992
30+ years fighting for injured workers' rights. Call (407) 648-4940 for immediate assistance.
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Why Choose Wade Coye as Your Orlando Workers Compensation Attorney
When searching for the best workers compensation lawyer in Orlando, you need an attorney who understands Florida's complex workers' comp laws and has a proven track record of success. Wade Coye has been representing workers compensation cases in Orlando Florida for over 30 years, securing millions in benefits for injured workers across Central Florida.
As an experienced Orlando workers compensation lawyer, Wade Coye knows the tactics insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims. Whether you need a workers compensation attorney in Orlando for a denied claim, delayed benefits, or serious workplace injury, Wade provides aggressive representation with no upfront costs.
Orlando Workers Compensation Lawyer Experience
- ✓ 30+ years practicing workers' comp law
- ✓ Thousands of successful cases
- ✓ No fees unless Wade wins your case
Best Workers Compensation Attorney Orlando
- ✓ Free consultation directly with Wade
- ✓ Maximum settlements and benefits
- ✓ Personal attention to every case
📚 Essential Workers' Comp Resources
Click any resource below to get the help you need with your workers' comp claim
Surgery Approval Guide →
Complete guide to getting surgery approved through workers' comp in Orlando. Learn the step-by-step process.
CLICK TO READ GUIDE →
Workers' Comp Survival Kit →
Free essential guide with immediate steps after workplace injury and strategies to maximize benefits.
GET YOUR FREE KIT →
Insurance Company Tactics Report →
30-year investigation reveals what insurance companies don't want you to know about denied claims.
DOWNLOAD FREE REPORT →
Complete Florida Workers' Comp Guide →
Free book reveals secrets and lies about Florida workers' comp. Limited physical copies available.
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK →
💡 Pro Tip: Start with the Survival Kit if you were just injured, or the Insurance Tactics Report if your claim was denied.
Can I Sue My Employer After a Workplace Injury?
In most Orlando workplace injury cases, you generally cannot sue your employer directly. Florida's workers' compensation system is designed as a "no fault" safety net, which means you receive benefits from your employer's insurance regardless of who caused the accident. In exchange for this coverage, you give up the option to file a separate lawsuit against your employer, even if the accident was their fault.
However, there are some important exceptions:
Third-Party Lawsuits
If someone other than your employer—like a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer (think Caterpillar, Siemens, or OSHA safety violations)—caused your injury through negligence or intentional harm, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against that third party. This opens the possibility of recovering additional damages, such as compensation for pain and suffering, which aren't available through standard workers' comp.
Intentional Misconduct
In very rare cases where an employer's actions go far beyond negligence—specifically intentional harm—you may have legal grounds to pursue a separate claim.
Need Help? If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies for a third-party or alternative claim, reach out to Wade Coye and the Coye Law team. We'll review your case and help you understand every avenue for compensation. Call (407) 648-4940 for a free consultation.
Florida Workers Comp Laws & Your Rights
Florida's workers comp system is designed to provide benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. All Florida employers with four or more employees must carry workers comp insurance, and understanding your rights is crucial for getting the benefits you deserve.
Key Florida Workers Comp Rights:
- Right to medical treatment for work-related injuries
- Temporary disability benefits while unable to work
- Permanent disability benefits for lasting injuries
- Vocational rehabilitation if you can't return to work
- Protection from employer retaliation for filing claims
- Right to choose your own doctor after initial treatment
Types of Florida Workers Comp Benefits:
- Medical benefits - 100% coverage for approved treatment
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) - 66.7% of wages
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits
- Death benefits for surviving family members
Serving Injured Workers Throughout Orlando & Central Florida
Wade Coye represents injured workers throughout the greater Orlando area and surrounding Central Florida communities:
Orlando Workers Comp Lawyer for All Industries
Wade Coye has represented injured workers from every major industry in Central Florida. Each industry has unique hazards and workers comp challenges we understand:
Construction Workers Comp Orlando
- • Falls from scaffolding and ladders
- • Heavy equipment accidents
- • Electrocution injuries
- • Heat stroke and exhaustion
- • Roofing and framing injuries
Healthcare Workers Comp Florida
- • Back injuries from patient lifting
- • Needle stick exposures
- • Violence from patients
- • Slip and falls in hospitals
- • Repetitive strain injuries
Warehouse & Delivery Workers
- • Forklift accidents
- • Loading dock injuries
- • Package handling strains
- • Delivery vehicle accidents
- • Amazon warehouse injuries
Restaurant & Hospitality Workers
- • Burns from kitchens
- • Cuts from knives
- • Slip and falls on wet floors
- • Theme park injuries
- • Hotel housekeeping injuries
Office & Retail Workers
- • Carpal tunnel syndrome
- • Ergonomic injuries
- • Slip and fall accidents
- • Lifting and stocking injuries
- • Workplace violence incidents
Transportation & Trucking
- • Commercial vehicle accidents
- • Loading/unloading injuries
- • Airport ground crew injuries
- • Bus driver accidents
- • Uber/Lyft driver injuries
No matter your industry, if you were injured on the job in Orlando, you have rights. Insurance companies often deny legitimate claims hoping you'll give up. Don't let them. Call (407) 648-4940 for a free strategy meeting.
Common Orlando Workplace Injuries We Handle
Wade Coye has extensive experience handling all types of workplace injuries across Orlando's major industries:
Common Injury Types in Orlando:
- Back and spine injuries from lifting
- Slip and fall accidents at work
- Repetitive stress injuries (carpal tunnel)
- Construction site accidents
- Machine and equipment injuries
- Chemical exposure and burns
- Vehicle accidents while working
- Cuts, lacerations, and crush injuries
Orlando Industries We Serve:
- Theme parks (Disney World, Universal)
- Healthcare (Orlando Health, AdventHealth)
- Hospitality and tourism
- Construction and building trades
- Manufacturing and warehousing
- Retail and restaurants
- Transportation and logistics
- Government and municipal workers
Workers' Comp Attorney for Major Orlando Employers
Wade Coye represents injured workers from Central Florida's largest employers, including:
Theme Parks
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Orlando
- SeaWorld
- LEGOLAND
Healthcare
- AdventHealth
- Orlando Health
- Nemours Children's
- VA Medical Center
Hospitality
- Marriott/Ritz-Carlton
- Hilton Hotels
- Rosen Hotels
- Omni Orlando
Other Industries
- Lockheed Martin
- UCF
- Orange County Schools
- Publix
No matter where you work in Central Florida, Wade Coye understands the unique challenges of your industry and will fight for your workers' comp benefits. Whether you're a cast member, healthcare worker, teacher, or aerospace engineer, we've helped workers like you.
A Message From Wade Coye:
Being injured on the job can be a very stressful and overwhelming ordeal–that's what I'm here for. My name is Wade Coye and I have had over 29 years of experience in handling Workers' Compensation cases throughout Florida and know the best way to personally assist with yours.
My team and I here at Coye Law are ready to fight for the benefits YOU deserve under Florida law. We understand the complexities of the Florida workers' compensation system and will guide you through every step of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orlando Workers Comp Claims
Get answers to the most common questions about workers comp in Orlando and Central Florida
How Do I Know If My Injury Is Considered Work-Related?
A work-related injury, under Florida law, is any injury or illness that happens while you're performing tasks for your employer—regardless of whether you're full-time, part-time, or seasonal. If you were hurt while carrying out your normal job duties or even while running errands assigned by your boss, your injury likely counts as work-related and is covered by workers comp. Here's how to tell if your injury qualifies: Were you injured while on the job site, at a company event, or somewhere else you were required to be for work? Were you performing a task, project, or responsibility that benefits your employer at the time of the injury? Were you following instructions, running an errand for your boss, or otherwise under your employer's direction? For example, if you're making deliveries for your manager and get hurt in a car accident, you're covered. But if you're on your lunch break, off the clock, and are hurt running personal errands, that likely won't qualify. Still not sure if your injury is covered? Our team can evaluate your unique situation and explain your rights during your free strategy meeting.
How long does it take to settle a workers' compensation case in Orlando?
Every workers' compensation case has its own timeline, which means there's no guaranteed answer to how long it will take to reach a settlement. Some straightforward claims resolve in just a few weeks, while others can stretch out for a year—or even longer—depending on the circumstances. A few of the factors that can affect how quickly your case is resolved include: Disputes about the seriousness of your injuries, Questions about whether you're able (or expected) to return to work, Disagreements regarding who is at fault, Delays waiting for medical records and official paperwork, Whether your impairment rating is being contested by the insurance company. Generally speaking, the more disagreements there are, the longer things can drag out. The good news? Having a skilled workers' comp attorney in Orlando can speed things up. An experienced legal advocate knows how to keep your claim moving forward and make sure the insurance company treats your case with the attention it deserves.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim in Florida?
In Florida, you typically have two years from the date of your workplace injury to file a workers' compensation claim. It's important to first notify your Orlando employer as soon as possible—ideally right after the accident. Once you've reported your injury, keep in mind that waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to recover benefits. If you miss the two-year deadline, you may lose your right to pursue your claim. Don't hesitate to act quickly so your rights remain protected.
How much does it cost to hire an Orlando workers comp attorney?
At Coye Law Firm, we do not require payment upfront to help injured Orlando workers. Wade Coye works on a "contingency basis," which means we do not require payment upfront and will only collect a fee if you settle your claim. The fee collected is usually a percentage of the settlement, and your initial strategy meeting with Wade is completely free.
Will I get fired for hiring a workers comp attorney in Orlando?
No. Under Florida law, "no employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any employee by reason of such employee's valid claim for compensation or attempt to claim compensation under the Workers' Compensation Law." If your Orlando employer retaliates, they can face serious legal consequences.
What workers comp benefits am I entitled to in Orlando?
Orlando workers' comp benefits include medical care (100% covered), temporary disability payments (66.7% of your average weekly wage), permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for families. You may also be entitled to mileage reimbursement for medical appointments.
What are impairment income benefits (IIB) in Orlando?
Impairment income benefits (IIB) are payments available to Orlando workers who have sustained lasting injuries that prevent them from making a full recovery after a work accident. If your authorized doctor assigns you an impairment rating greater than 0%—meaning you have a permanent loss of bodily function—you may qualify for these benefits. IIB are intended to provide financial support based on how severe your permanent impairment is. The higher your impairment rating, the more you may be entitled to receive, and for a longer duration. Importantly, reaching "maximum medical improvement" (MMI) does not always mean you can return to your pre-injury job or earn the same wage as before. If your injury continues to limit your abilities, impairment income benefits help bridge that gap as you adjust to your new circumstances.
How long do I have to report a work injury in Orlando?
You must report your work injury to your Orlando employer within 30 days of the accident or when you become aware the injury is work-related. However, it's best to report immediately to protect your rights and ensure proper documentation.
What forms must be completed after a workplace injury?
After suffering a workplace injury in Orlando, your employer is responsible for providing you with the appropriate paperwork to start your workers' comp claim. The primary document to complete is the First Report of Injury or Illness—a standard form required by the State of Florida. Once you fill out this form, your employer must submit it to their workers' compensation insurance company within seven days. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. If you have questions about the paperwork or encounter any delays, don't hesitate to reach out to Wade Coye's office for guidance on ensuring your claim is properly filed and protected.
Can I file a third-party lawsuit for a workplace injury?
In some situations, yes—you may have a separate claim against a third party whose negligence caused your injury on the job. For example, if you were hurt by a defective tool (think: a malfunctioning ladder made by Little Giant or an unsafe forklift from Toyota), or if another company's employee caused an accident at your workplace, you might be able to file a lawsuit against that third party. Unlike workers' comp claims, a third-party lawsuit gives you the chance to recover damages for things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses that aren't covered under standard workers' compensation. If you believe someone outside your employer contributed to your injury, let us know—our team at Coye Law can help you explore all your legal options and make sure you aren't leaving any compensation on the table.
What if workers comp is not sending me my wage loss checks in Orlando?
Workers' comp insurance companies in Orlando can be notoriously slow in paying weekly wage loss, and it is perfectly legal for them to respond slowly. You may be eligible for a loan to protect yourself while waiting for benefits. Contact Wade Coye's office to learn more about your options.
Maximum Workers Comp Benefits in Florida
Wade Coye fights to ensure you receive all the workers comp benefits you're entitled to under Florida law:
Medical Benefits:
- 100% coverage for all authorized medical treatment
- Hospital and emergency room expenses
- Doctor visits and specialist consultations
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Mileage reimbursement for medical appointments
Disability Benefits:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) - 66.7% of wages
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation and retraining
- Death benefits for surviving family members
5 Ways We Can Help with Your Florida Workers Comp Claim Today
Here's What You Can Expect When You Call Us Today About Your Florida Workers Comp Claim
If you have never hired a workers comp lawyer before, it can be overwhelming to call a Florida workers comp law firm for the first time. Especially when you don't know what kinds of questions a law firm might ask and what kind of information you should have prepared before the call.
As frustrating as Florida workers comp can be, all you can do is make the best of the limited care that workers comp provides you, and hiring Wade Coye as your experienced attorney is the best way to take this unfortunate situation into your own hands and ensure you are maximizing the benefits available to you under Florida law.
Here is what you can expect when you call our Florida workers comp law office today about your claim…
Basic Information and Conflict Check
Before discussing the details of your Florida workers' comp claim, we must first gather some basic information to run a conflict check in our office. We run conflict checks to make sure your claim wouldn't interfere with any of our existing cases. For instance, if you were involved in an on-the-job car accident, it's important that we make sure we are not already representing the other driver in the accident. The only information we need to run a conflict check is your name and mailing address.
Questions About Your Florida Employer
Next, we will begin to ask you questions about your job and employer, such as: Where were you working when the accident happened? What is your job title? How long have you been working there? Are you still working there or were you fired? Did you report the injury to your supervisor? Does your employer have workers' compensation insurance?
Questions About the Work-Related Accident
Next, we may ask you to go into more detail about the accident with questions about your injuries and how the accident occurred. If it was a slip-and-fall at work, we'll ask what you slipped on. For work-related car accidents, we'll ask about information exchange with other drivers and emergency room visits. We'll also ask about any witnesses to the accident.
Questions About Medical Treatment
We'll ask about what medical treatment you've received through workers' comp, when you last saw a doctor, where you received treatment, whether the treatment was authorized by workers' comp, and whether you've missed work as a result of the accident. We'll also ask about any independent medical examinations (IMEs) you may have attended.
How You Heard About Our Florida Workers Comp Law Firm
We truly appreciate the confidence that our clients place in us by referring their friends or family, so we may ask how you heard about us or who referred you so that we can thank them for their trust! If we believe we can help with your Florida workers comp case, our legal team may then schedule you a free consultation to speak directly with Wade Coye.
3 Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Florida Workers Comp Claim
Signing a medical release for your Florida workers comp case
It is usually never a good idea to sign a medical release unless you fully understand what you are signing. Doing so can harm your Florida workers comp case. Be very careful as some insurance companies may try to trick you into signing a release that gives them access to your entire medical history, not just your work injury.
Giving recorded statements to workers comp insurance
You are not required to give a Florida workers comp insurance company a recorded statement beyond the initial injury report. Remember, the insurance company is going to try to save them as much money as possible. They may try to trick you into giving a statement that could be used against you later to deny benefits.
Not being up front about prior accidents or injuries
It is incredibly important to be honest about your injuries in a Florida workers comp claim. For instance, if you have a shoulder injury, and have injured your shoulder in the past–mention it! If your current injury is somewhere related to a prior injury and you fail to mention your past injury, they may accuse you of fraud, which can result in criminal charges.
5 Essential Tips for Florida Injured Workers
Report your work accident to your supervisor immediately.
Florida law requires reporting within 30 days, but immediate reporting is best. Demand that an accident report be filled out and request a copy for your records.
Get appropriate medical treatment for your work injury.
If possible, get specialized treatment from doctors experienced with your type of injury. Specialized doctors have years of experience treating specific areas of the body and understand workers' comp requirements.
Contact Wade Coye immediately for expert legal guidance.
Early legal intervention can prevent mistakes that could harm your case and ensure you get all the benefits you deserve under Florida law.
Gather contact information of potential witnesses to your work accident.
Including names, addresses and telephone numbers. Witness testimony can be crucial if your workers' comp claim is disputed.
Keep detailed records of all medical reports and bills you receive.
Also document all interactions with your employer, workers' comp insurance, and medical providers. Good documentation is essential for a successful claim.
What Factors Can Affect the Time It Takes to Settle a Workers' Compensation Claim in Orlando?
The timeline for settling a workers' compensation claim isn't set in stone—some cases wrap up quickly, while others can stretch on for months, or, in complex cases, even longer. Several factors can impact how fast or slow your case may resolve:
Disputes about your injuries
If there's disagreement about how serious your injury is or how it affects your ability to work, expect delays. Insurers and employers often want a second (or third) opinion.
Questions about returning to work
If your doctor (or the insurance company's doctor) thinks you can go back to work sooner than you believe is safe, this can slow things down.
Liability challenges
Sometimes, employers or their insurance companies argue the injury isn't work-related or that you're not eligible for benefits. These issues need to be resolved before your claim can settle.
Medical records and documentation
The insurance company may take time to gather and review all your medical records. Missing or delayed paperwork can easily stall the process.
Impairment rating disputes
Your settlement often depends on your permanent impairment rating, which can become a point of contention. Negotiations over this figure can drag out discussions.
The Bottom Line: Generally, the more disagreements or hiccups arise, the longer your claim may take. Having an experienced Orlando workers' compensation attorney in your corner can help keep things on track and ensure the insurance company treats your case with the urgency it deserves.
Workers' Comp Settlement Amounts in Orlando, Florida
Understanding typical workers' comp settlement amounts in Florida helps you evaluate if you're receiving fair compensation. While each case is unique, settlements are based on several factors.
Typical Settlement Ranges in Florida:
- Minor injuries:$2,000 - $20,000 (sprains, minor cuts)
- Moderate injuries:$20,000 - $75,000 (fractures, surgeries)
- Severe injuries:$75,000 - $200,000+ (multiple surgeries, permanent limitations)
- Permanent total disability:$200,000 - $500,000+ (lifetime benefits possible)
Factors Affecting Your Settlement:
- Severity and permanence of injury
- Your average weekly wage before injury
- Future medical care needs
- Impairment rating from authorized doctor
- Ability to return to same type of work
- Quality of legal representation
Important: These are general ranges based on Florida workers' comp cases. Your specific case value depends on unique factors. Wade Coye has secured settlements exceeding $1 million for severely injured workers by identifying all available benefits and fighting for maximum compensation.
Common Disputes in Orlando Workers' Compensation Claims
Workers' compensation claims don't always go as smoothly as we wish, and disputes are a common stumbling block for injured workers in Orlando and across Florida. Here are some of the most frequent reasons these conflicts arise between employees and workers' comp insurance companies:
⚠ Disagreements about the severity of injuries
Insurance companies may question how severe your injuries really are, often asking for additional opinions or downplaying your doctor's findings.
⚠ Challenges over work status
There can be disputes about whether you are able to return to work, either in your previous role or a different one, or if your injuries truly prevent you from working at all.
⚠ Arguments over liability
Sometimes, the insurance company will try to argue that your injury wasn't work-related or that it happened outside of your employment, making you ineligible for benefits.
⚠ Controversy over impairment ratings
If your doctor assigns you a permanent impairment rating, the insurer may not agree with that assessment and request their own evaluation.
⚠ Delays in gathering or sharing medical records
The insurance process can slow to a crawl if there are holdups in obtaining medical documentation needed to substantiate your claim.
✓ The Solution: These disputes can drag out your claim and cause frustrating delays. The good news is that Wade Coye and his team are experienced at navigating these challenges to secure the benefits you deserve. Call (407) 648-4940for help with your disputed claim.
Independent Medical Exams & Appeals in Florida Workers' Comp
Independent Medical Examinations (IME)
Insurance companies often require an Independent Medical Examination, but these exams are rarely "independent." The doctor is chosen and paid by the insurance company, and their goal is often to minimize your injuries.
How to Protect Yourself During an IME:
- Be honest but don't exaggerate or minimize your symptoms
- Bring a witness if possible (Florida law allows this)
- Take notes immediately after about what was said and done
- Know the exam is being watched - even in the parking lot
Workers' Comp Appeals Process in Florida
If your workers' comp claim is denied or benefits are stopped, you have the right to appeal. Time limits are strict - don't delay in protecting your rights.
Florida Workers' Comp Appeals Timeline:
- 1Petition for Benefits:File within 2 years of knowing benefits are due
- 2Mediation Conference:Attempt to resolve dispute (usually within 130 days)
- 3Final Hearing:Present case to Judge of Compensation Claims
- 4District Court Appeal:Appeal judge's decision if necessary (30-day deadline)
Do You Need an Attorney for Florida Workers' Comp?
Another question many injured Florida workers have is whether or not they need legal representation for their workers' comp claim. Is it really worth the effort to seek an attorney? Florida workers' comp can be a tedious and complicated process, and having Wade Coye and his experienced legal team to help can sometimes mean the difference between a denied or accepted claim.
Signs You Need a Florida Workers' Comp Attorney:
- Your workers' comp claim has been denied
- You're not receiving proper medical treatment
- Your employer is retaliating against you
- The insurance company is delaying your benefits
- You have permanent disabilities from your work injury
- You're being pressured to return to work too soon
Click here to contact Wade Coye today for a free consultation about your case.
Wade Coye is an expert workers' compensation attorney handling cases throughout Florida with a dedicated legal team and is here to help you and your family get the benefits you deserve. Call (407) 648-4940 now.
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Contact Wade Coye Today
Ready to discuss your Orlando workers' comp case? Get a free consultation with Wade Coye and his experienced legal team. Call (407) 648-4940 now.