Can Teachers in Tampa File Workers’ Comp Claims?

As a teacher in Tampa, you may face all kinds of safety hazards each day. Most people have no idea how difficult this job is, and various injuries can occur at a school. These include slips and falls, assaults, and the contraction of dangerous diseases like head lice or pink eye. If you become injured at work, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim just like any other employee. However, your membership in the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association (HCTA) may provide you with additional benefits – and you may want to discuss your options with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Tampa.

Teachers Are Eligible to File Workers’ Compensation Claims in Tampa

If you become injured on the job, you can file a workers’ compensation claim just like any other employee. Although you might have heard that government employees are not eligible to claim workers’ comp, this does not apply to teachers. You are employed by the school district, and this does not “count” as being a government employee.

According to the HCTA, you will always receive your full pay for the day of your injury. You will also receive your full payment for the ten days following your injury, assuming that Risk Management has determined you should spend those days recovering. This is a notable benefit for teachers, as many other employees only ever receive two-thirds of their normal salary. Ten days of full compensation is something you should definitely take advantage of.

Like all employees, teachers should also file injury reports with their supervisors as soon as possible after their injuries.

Personal Injury Benefits After Assaults at School

The Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association states that you may receive additional benefits after suffering injuries due to assaults during work. This is one of the most important injury benefits provided by the HCTA. Perhaps most importantly, you will receive your full salary if you need to recover from an assault at school. This is notable because a normal workers’ compensation claim only provides two-thirds of your normal salary.

This payment can continue for up to 12 months as long as it is verified as medically necessary by a doctor. Note that you cannot claim this benefit if your assault-related injury was due to your own negligence. If your claim for personal injury benefits is denied after an assault, you might want to speak with a lawyer. It may be necessary to prove that your injuries were not the result of your own negligence, and this could help you receive 100% of your missed wages.

Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help Injured Teachers in Tampa?

If you have suffered some kind of injury while teaching, consider a consultation with an experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer. While filing a claim is relatively easy, a lawyer can help make this process seamless. They can also help you avoid needless mistakes and respond to denied claims if necessary. As a teacher, you may be entitled to additional benefits after a workplace injury. To learn more, speak with The Franco Law Firm today.

Sources:

hillsboroughcta.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/HCTA_ESPCONTRACT_2012_2015.pdf

myfloridacfo.com/docs-sf/workers-compensation-libraries/pdf/wc-system-guide.pdf