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Your Union Rep Isn’t a Lawyer — And That’s OK

Why First Responders Need Both Union Advocacy and Legal Protection in Workers’ Comp Cases

If you’re a first responder in Florida — a firefighter, law enforcement officer, or paramedic — your union is a critical part of your professional life. Union reps are often the first people you turn to when something goes wrong on the job. They support you, protect your rights under your collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and know how your department works inside and out.

But when you’re hurt on the job and file a first responder workers’ compensation claim, things change. That’s where a lot of confusion happens.

We hear it all the time:
 “My union rep is handling it.”
 Or worse… “I was told I don’t need a lawyer yet.”

Here’s the truth: Your union rep isn’t a lawyer — and that’s OK. In fact, the best results come when your union rep and your workers’ comp attorney work together. Let’s break down why both roles matter — and why knowing the difference could protect your health, your career, and your financial future.

What a Union Rep Can Do for You

Union reps are invaluable. They’re often fellow first responders who’ve stepped up to help their coworkers navigate everything from shift disputes to internal investigations. When it comes to an on-the-job injury, they can:

  • Help you report your injury properly
  • Guide you through your department’s internal processes
  • Assist with securing light duty or temporary reassignment
  • Advocate for you during disciplinary hearings
  • Make sure your rights under the CBA are respected

They know your department, they know your work, and they know how things are supposed to run. But even with all that, they are not licensed to practice law — and that’s where the line is drawn.

What a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Does

When you file a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, you’re entering a legal system — and it’s not friendly territory. Insurance companies have lawyers. The state has rules. And there are hard deadlines, complex statutes, and mountains of medical evidence involved. As your attorney, we can:

  • File a Petition for Benefits on your behalf
  • Hire and depose medical and vocational experts
  • Challenge denials under statutes like F.S. 112.18 (the Heart/Lung Bill)
  • Represent you at mediations and hearings
  • Negotiate settlements that protect your long-term financial security

We aren’t just advocates — we are legal strategists. We protect your rights in a system that often puts insurers ahead of injured workers.

Common Points of Confusion

Even with good intentions, there are some common missteps when union reps try to handle workers’ comp cases without involving an attorney:

  • Telling injured workers to “wait and see” before hiring a lawyer
  • Assuming that if the employer is paying for treatment, the case is fine
  • Not realizing the importance of early expert involvement
  • Providing legal advice that could harm the case

It’s Not Union vs. Lawyer — It’s Union and Lawyer

The best outcomes happen when union reps and lawyers work together. We’ve seen it firsthand.

  • Union reps flag an issue and encourage early reporting
  • The injured worker connects with an attorney right away
  • The union helps manage the return-to-work plan while the lawyer handles the legal strategy
  • Everyone stays in the loop, focused on protecting the member

No turf wars. No confusion. Just teamwork.

When Should You Call a Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured on the job as a first responder — call an attorney immediately. Even if your union is already involved. Even if your claim seems “routine.” Especially if:

  •       You’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, hypertension, PTSD, or cancer
  •       Your claim has been delayed, denied, or closed
  •       You’re unsure about settling or what comes next
  •       You’re unable to return to full duty

Legal protection doesn’t mean replacing your union. It means strengthening your team.

Final Thoughts

Your union rep isn’t a lawyer — and that’s a good thing. Their job is to protect you inside the department. Our job is to protect you inside the legal system. When both sides communicate and collaborate, you win.

If you’re a first responder facing a workers’ comp claim, we’re here for you. Contact our team at Bichler & Longo for a free consultation — and let’s build the team you deserve.

📞 407-599-3777
 📧 Ann@bichlerlaw.com
 🌐 https://www.bichlerlaw.com