Workers’ Compensation

At McConnaughhay, Coonrod, Pope, Weaver & Stern, P.A., the defense of workers' compensation claims has been a focal point of the firm's practice since its inception. Throughout the State of Florida, and extending into Georgia, we have long been at the forefront of workers' compensation law and continue to set the standard of excellence in the representation of employers and their insurance carriers.

Each of our offices is staffed by a group of attorneys with extensive litigation experience, who devote their practice exclusively to workers' compensation law. They are familiar not only with the statutes, but also with local judicial procedures, successfully representing clients before Judges of Compensation Claims, the District Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Florida. Active in a variety of professional organizations, they stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

In addition to defending clients in all types of workers' compensation litigation, we also have attorneys who concentrate their practice on specialties within the field. Our attorneys regularly assist clients in obtaining reimbursement from the state-administered second injury fund. On the legislative and administrative front, firm attorneys often assist in drafting proposed legislation and rules.

In a business environment that has become increasingly complicated by state and federal legislation, particularly as a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act, every action in a workers' compensation case may have a significant impact on an employer's compliance with federal law. Our attorneys are not only trained to recognize the interrelationship of such issues, but also have considerable experience in the defense of discrimination actions arising out of the employment relationship as well as other issues in employment law.

Drawing upon our vast experience, we are able to offer clients the benefit of our prior work product. This translates into cost-effective representation, a goal shared by employers and insurance companies alike. We also work toward this end by evaluating workflow, staffing at the most effective level, and utilizing appropriate technology.

The firm also takes a leading role in educating the business community on workers' compensation law. This emphasis on education reflects our philosophy of serving clients, both inside and outside of the litigation setting, and the importance of enhancing the value of our client relationships.

We...

• conduct numerous educational seminars throughout the year, ranging in scope from individual programs tailored to the needs of a specific corporate client, to the Workers' Compensation Educational Conference held annually in Orlando, Florida which draws over 6,000 attendees;
• compile, update and publish a Desk Manual to help employers understand the ever-changing workers' compensation law and its relationship to other state and federal laws;
• publish a firm newsletter to keep clients fully apprised as to rulemaking activities and events occurring in the state legislature.