If you’re a police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer and you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, hypertension, or tuberculosis, you’re probably wondering two things: what happens to your workers’ compensation claim, and who’s going to pay for your treatment?
Bichler & Longo PLLC can help Jacksonville-based first responders figure out whether the Heart and Lung Bill applies to your condition. We work solely with first responders and know how to explain your rights, answer any questions you have, and fight for the benefits you are entitled to.
Florida Statute § 112.18 makes it so that unless there is sufficient evidence to the contrary and all the requirements are met, it is presumed that first responders developed their medical condition on the job, in regards to heart disease, hypertension, or tuberculosis.
Qualifying first responders start out with the law on their side. This means that the employer or insurance carrier will have to prove the condition was not caused by your work duties, rather than you having to prove that it was.
The law has various requirements that must be met. For example, at the time of hire, you must have passed a physical exam that did not reveal signs of the condition, and your condition also must result in total or partial disability, or death.
An attorney who regularly handles Heart Bill cases for workers in Jacksonville can review the details of your case such as your work history, medical records, the diagnosis, and your pre-hire examination.
Just because a first responder has the presumption as a legal advantage does not mean the claim is guaranteed to succeed. Employers and insurance carriers often argue that claimants do not meet the requirements or that the presumption should not apply.
Law enforcement and correctional officers also have to abide by an additional rule. The treatment prescribed by your doctor must be followed; if it is not and failing to follow it causes the condition to get worse or causes you to need more medical care, the presumption may no longer apply. An independent medical examination is allowed under Florida law when there are disputes about this.
When you are facing a challenge to your claim, a Heart Bill workers’ compensation attorney in Jacksonville can help in a variety of ways:
If you are a Jacksonville first responder and are having trouble getting your Heart Bill claim approved, you need to work with a lawyer who has significant experience with these cases, and knowledge of the details involved. The right lawyer can tell you if you qualify for the presumption by going through your medical records and employment history, and identifying any errors.
At Bichler & Longo PLLC, workers’ compensation for first responders is the main focus of our practice. We have been doing this for a long time, so we know that a heart condition affects your health, your career, and financial position. We will be straightforward with you about what is going on with your case, what your options are, and what to expect next.
Florida’s Heart and Lung Bill offers advantageous protections for first responders dealing with health conditions they sustained because of their job. You are not expected to handle denials or appeals on your own without professional guidance. A Jacksonville Heart Bill lawyer can review the facts of your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the workers’ compensation benefits that are rightly available to you.