Workers' Compensation Attorney Ocala
Board-certified workers' compensation attorneys fighting for injured Ocala workers across Marion County.
By submitting this form, you authorize Avera & Smith to contact you regarding your potential case. Contacting us through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. See Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Ocala Workers' Compensation Attorneys Who Know How the System Works
Work-related injuries can happen in any occupation, from construction and manufacturing to healthcare, agriculture, and office environments. When an injury prevents you from working, the impact can extend far beyond your physical recovery, affecting your finances, career, and family.
Although Florida's workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured employees, obtaining these benefits is not always straightforward. For more than 70 years, the board-certified workers' compensation attorneys at Avera & Smith have helped injured workers throughout Marion County navigate the claims process and pursue the benefits they deserve.
Call Avera & Smith today at 352-372-9999 for a free consultation There are no upfront costs, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover benefits for you.
Why Insurance Companies Take Avera & Smith Seriously
Insurance companies in Florida know which firms are prepared to fight and which ones aren't.
70+ Years Serving North Central Florida
Avera & Smith has been fighting for injured workers across Marion County and the Ocala area since 1952. We understand the local industries, the specific hazards Ocala workers face, and the insurance company tactics used in this market. We bring this knowledge to every case we handle.
Board Certified in Workers' Compensation Law
Partner Lance Avera holds board certification in workers' compensation law from the Florida Bar, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of attorneys licensed in Florida. Achieving this certification requires demonstrated expertise, rigorous peer evaluation, and a proven record of success in complex workers' compensation cases. For injured workers, it means having an advocate with verified expertise to protect your rights when your benefits and future are on the line.
We Know How the Other Side Thinks
Before dedicating his career to representing injured workers, Lance Avera spent years as an insurance defense attorney. This experience gives him an unmatched understanding of how insurance carriers evaluate workers' compensation claims, what they look for when building a defense, and how to structure a case that dismantles the defense before it can be used against you.
We Build Every Case Like It's Going to Trial
A fair workers' compensation settlement doesn't happen because the insurance company chooses to do the right thing. It happens because they know the cost of fighting your claim is greater than resolving it fairly. At Avera & Smith, we prepare every Ocala workers' compensation case as if it will go to trial from day one. This gives us leverage to pursue the maximum benefits our clients deserve.
No Fee Unless We Win
Every workers' compensation case we handle is taken on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket at any point during your case. If we don't recover benefits for you, you owe us nothing.
Meet the Attorneys Who Fight for You
Behind every successful case is a team that knows how to take on insurance companies and deliver results. At Avera & Smith, our attorneys bring decades of experience, proven outcomes, and a reputation that demands respect.
What Our Gainesville Clients Say
“Thank you SO much, Avera & Smith, for representing me so well, and seeing to it that I was fairly compensated for the injuries I sustained in my accident!
I really appreciate the wonderful way I was treated with skill, competence, integrity, compassion, and dignity throughout the entire process."
Sherry Underwood
“I cannot recommend Lance Avera highly enough for anyone facing a workers’ compensation case. After my workplace injury, I felt overwhelmed with the insurance company trying to make medical decisions and minimize my injuries, but Lance, Dana & Jenny immediately stepped in with unwavering determination."
Chris Russsel
What Will Workers' Compensation Cover in Ocala?
Florida's workers' compensation system provides several types of benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, you may be entitled to medical treatment, wage replacement benefits, and additional support during your recovery. Medical benefits generally cover all authorized and necessary treatment related to your workplace injury, including doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, and specialist treatment. Injured workers typically do not have to pay out-of-pocket for approved medical care. If your injury prevents you from working, workers' compensation may also provide partial wage replacement benefits. The amount and duration of these benefits depend on your ability to work and the extent of your injuries.
Workers who suffer a permanent impairment may qualify for additional benefits, while those who cannot return to their previous position may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services designed to help them re-enter the workforce. In fatal workplace accidents, death benefits may also be available to surviving family members.
Understanding which benefits apply to your situation can be challenging, especially when insurance carriers dispute claims or limit coverage. For more than 70 years, Avera & Smith has helped injured workers throughout Ocala and Marion County pursue the full workers' compensation benefits available under Florida law.
How Workers' Compensation Works in Florida
Florida's workers' compensation system provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. While the process is intended to help injured workers, navigating a claim is not always straightforward.
After a workplace injury, Florida law generally requires workers to report the accident to their employer within 30 days. Once the injury is reported, the employer must notify its workers' compensation insurance carrier, which will review the claim and determine whether benefits should be provided.
Unfortunately, disputes can arise at all stages of the process. Insurance carriers may question the severity of an injury, whether it is work-related, or when an injured employee is able to return to work. These issues can delay or reduce the benefits a worker receives.
Common Workplace Injuries We Handle in Ocala
Ocala's workforce spans a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. As a result, workplace injuries can take many forms. Avera & Smith regularly represents workers who have suffered injuries from falls, heavy lifting, repetitive motions, equipment accidents, work-related vehicle crashes, and exposure to hazardous substances.
Regardless of the cause of your injury or the industry in which it occurred, our experienced Ocala workers' compensation attorneys are prepared to help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions: Workers' Compensation in Ocala
How Much Does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cost?
Workers' compensation insurance is paid for by employers, not employees. If you've been injured on the job in Ocala, you are not responsible for the cost of the insurance coverage that may provide your benefits. Instead, your focus should be on ensuring you receive the medical care and wage replacement benefits available under Florida law. At Avera & Smith, we help injured workers throughout Marion County protect their rights and pursue the full benefits they may be entitled to receive.
Is Workers' Compensation Taxable in Florida?
In most cases, workers' compensation benefits are not subject to federal or state income taxes. Benefits paid for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability are generally considered non-taxable income. However, special rules can apply when an injured worker is also receiving Social Security Disability benefits, which may affect how certain benefits are calculated. Since every situation is unique, it is always wise to consult a tax professional regarding your specific circumstances.
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim in Ocala?
Florida law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing a valid workers' compensation claim. Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, reduced hours, or other adverse employment actions. However, proving retaliation is not always straightforward, particularly in an at-will employment state like Florida. If you believe your employer has treated you unfairly because you filed a workers' compensation claim, an experienced Ocala workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate your situation and explain your legal options.
What Should I Do If My Workers' Comp Claim Is Denied in Ocala?
A denied workers' compensation claim does not necessarily mean you are out of options. Florida law provides a process for challenging claim denials and pursuing the benefits you believe you are entitled to receive. Claims may be denied for a variety of reasons, including disputes regarding how the injury occurred, questions about medical evidence, reporting issues, or allegations involving pre-existing conditions. If your claim has been denied, it is important to act quickly. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can review the reasons for the denial, gather supporting evidence, and help you navigate the appeals process while protecting your rights every step of the way.
Injured at Work in Ocala? We're Ready to Fight for You.
Marion County's workers deserve full and fair compensation when they're hurt on the job — not a fight with an insurance company that profits from paying less. Avera & Smith has been standing up for Ocala's injured workers for over 70 years, and we're ready to stand up for you. Contact us today for a free consultation. No upfront costs. No fee unless we win.
By submitting this form, you authorize Avera & Smith to contact you regarding your potential case. Contacting us through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. See Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
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