What Benefits Are Available Under Florida Workers’ Comp?
If you were injured on the job, understanding your rights under Florida workers’ comp is critical to protecting your health and financial future. Learn what benefits may be available to you and how the attorneys at Avera & Smith can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Getting hurt on the job can leave you with more questions than answers. How will you pay your medical bills? What happens if you can’t work for weeks or even months? Florida’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, but understanding what those benefits include is not always straightforward.
At Avera & Smith, our Florida workers’ compensation attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers get the benefits and compensation they deserve. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about workers’ compensation benefits in Florida.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that most Florida employers are required to carry. It provides benefits to employees who are injured while performing work-related duties or who develop occupational illnesses due to their jobs.
In exchange for receiving benefits, injured workers generally cannot sue their employers for negligence.
What medical benefits are available under Florida workers’ comp?
Florida workers’ compensation should cover all medically necessary treatment related to your workplace injury or illness. This may include:
- Emergency room treatment
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Diagnostic testing
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments
However, it is important to understand that your employer’s insurance company typically has the right to choose your treating physician. Seeking unauthorized medical treatment could result in denied coverage.
Does workers’ compensation pay lost wages?
Yes. If your injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible for wage replacement benefits. The amount and duration of benefits depend on the severity of your injury and your ability to return to work. Common wage replacement benefits include:
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If your doctor determines you cannot work at all while recovering, you may receive Temporary Total Disability benefits. These benefits generally equal about two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to Florida’s maximum compensation limits.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If you can return to work with restrictions but earn less than you did before your injury, Temporary Partial Disability benefits may help make up part of the difference.
Permanent Impairment Benefits
If your injury causes permanent limitations, you may qualify for additional compensation after reaching maximum medical improvement.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Workers who suffer catastrophic injuries that permanently prevent them from working may qualify for Permanent Total Disability benefits.
Are death benefits available through Florida workers’ comp?
Yes. If a workplace accident results in a worker’s death, surviving family members may be entitled to death benefits. However, death benefits are subject to statutory limitations under Florida law.
These benefits can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Compensation for dependents
- Educational benefits for a surviving spouse
How long do I have to report a workplace injury in Florida?
Under Florida law, injured workers generally must report a workplace injury to their employer within 30 days. Failing to report the injury within that timeframe could jeopardize your claim.
It is also important to seek medical attention promptly and follow all treatment recommendations.
Can my workers’ compensation claim be denied?
Unfortunately, yes. Insurance companies may deny claims for several reasons, including:
- Allegations that the injury was not work-related
- Missed reporting deadlines
- Disputes over medical treatment
- Claims involving pre-existing conditions
A denial does not necessarily mean you are out of options. Injured workers have the right to challenge denied claims and pursue benefits through the Florida workers’ compensation system. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to contact an experienced Florida workers’ compensation attorney right away.
Need help with a Florida workers’ comp claim?
Call Avera & Smith at 800-654-4659 for a free case review.
Workers’ compensation claims are not always as simple as they should be. Insurance companies may delay treatment, dispute benefits, or deny valid claims altogether. Having an experienced legal advocate on your side can make a significant difference.
The Florida workers’ compensation attorneys at Avera & Smith understand the challenges injured workers face after an on-the-job accident. Our team can help you:
- Understand your rights under Florida law
- Pursue the full medical and wage benefits available
- Handle communication with the insurance company
- Appeal denied claims
- Protect your interests throughout the claims process
If you were injured at work in Florida, do not try to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. Contact us today through our online form or call 800-654-4659 to speak with one of our attorneys.