Legal Question in Workers Comp in Florida

For how long can the courts decision be delayed?

My dad fell from a ladder at work on July 2004. He was diagnosed with two herniated disks and some other problems pertaining to the accident. He has been suffering from emotional distress due to the fact that he is not able to work. He has not received any compensation in the past two years. He has been to the court for about two times and no decision has been made, there have also been several mediations with no success. Several court days have been set lately, but a day before he always receives a call from the attorney telling him that the court date has been changed to a couple of months in the future. Is this legal, is it ethical? I feel that the lawyer and the insurance company are just waiting for an unfortunate event. What could I do?


Asked on 5/12/08, 11:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Mark Zientz Law Offices of Mark L. Zientz, P.A.

Re: For how long can the courts decision be delayed?

There are many reasons why a case gets bogged down. The system is not perfect. I can assure you that any lawyer who represents your father is not going to be paid until he resolves the case, either by a trial or a settlement.

You can check the status of the case on the website of the Division of Administrative Hearings, Office of the Judges of Compensaiton Claims.

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Answered on 5/13/08, 9:52 am


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