Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Injured Workers in Florida
Wondering what benefits Florida’s workers’ compensation system covers? From medical care to lost wages, here are the benefits you may be entitled to if you are injured while on the job in Florida.
If you get hurt at work or develop a work-related medical condition, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In Florida, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Workers’ compensation is like a safety net designed to support and protect workers who experience unexpected injuries or illnesses on the job. It’s more than just a program—it’s a promise to Florida’s workforce, ensuring that you don’t have to bear the financial burden alone when something goes wrong at work.
To ensure you receive full and fair support, it’s important to understand what benefits are available to you through Florida’s workers’ compensation system. In this article, our Florida workers’ compensation attorneys explain what benefits Florida workers can expect from workers’ compensation coverage.
Medical benefits
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a car accident is apologizing to the other driver—even if the accident is not their fault! It’s a natural response to say, “I’m sorry,” after an accident. However, apologizing can be seen as an admission of guilt. In Florida, fault can affect how damages are determined. Any statement of guilt or liability can be used against you by the insurance company. This can impact your chances of a fair settlement.
One of the most immediate concerns for injured workers is covering the cost of medical treatment. Florida workers’ compensation provides coverage for all necessary medical expenses related to your work injury or illness, including:
- Doctor visits and consultations
- Surgical procedures
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Medical tests, such as X-rays or MRIs
- Prosthetics or medical equipment needed due to the injury
It’s important to note that the insurance company will require you to visit an approved physician or medical provider. Choosing a doctor without authorization can result in out-of-pocket expenses, so always confirm with your employer’s insurance provider before seeking treatment.
Wage replacement benefits
When an injury prevents you from working, workers’ compensation in Florida offers wage replacement benefits to help you and your family stay financially stable. The type of wage replacement benefits you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and the length of your recovery period:
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working for a certain period, you may qualify for TTD benefits. This provides 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage, up to a state-mandated maximum. Payments continue until you’re able to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work in a limited capacity (reduced hours or duties), TPD benefits may cover part of the difference between your previous wages and current earnings.
• Impairment Benefits (IB): If your injury leads to a lasting impairment after you reach MMI, you may qualify for impairment benefits. This is calculated based on the level of permanent impairment as assessed by a doctor.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): For severe cases where the injury prevents you from returning to any type of gainful employment, you may qualify for PTD benefits. These benefits provide ongoing wage replacement until the age of 75.
Disability benefits
Disability benefits in Florida workers’ compensation fall into two categories based on the nature of your injury and your ability to work:
• Temporary Disability Benefits: These benefits are meant to assist you during your recovery period, whether you’re fully or partially disabled. You can receive TTD or TPD benefits based on your injury, as outlined above.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: If you suffer from a permanent impairment, you may qualify for ongoing benefits. Impairment ratings, given by a doctor once you’ve reached MMI, determine the level and duration of benefits. Higher ratings typically indicate more severe impairments and may lead to longer compensation periods.
Death benefits for families
If a workplace injury leads to the death of an employee, Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides death benefits to the surviving family. This support helps families cover funeral expenses and provides ongoing financial support to surviving dependents. The death benefits typically include:
• Funeral and burial expenses up to $7,500.
• Compensation to dependents of the deceased worker, including a spouse, minor children, or dependent parents.
• Educational benefits for the spouse, covering tuition for up to 1,800 classroom hours or 80 semester hours at a Florida state college.
Death benefits ensure that the family members of a deceased worker have the support they need during a challenging time.
Vocational rehabilitation and retraining
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job but you’re still capable of working, Florida’s workers’ compensation offers vocational rehabilitation and retraining programs. These programs are designed to help you find suitable alternative employment by providing:
• Career counseling and job placement assistance
• Vocational retraining and skill development courses
• Support with resume building and interview skills
These programs ensure that injured workers have the resources they need to transition to new roles or industries that accommodate their abilities after an injury.
Ensure you receive your full workers’ compensation benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits in Florida are designed to provide comprehensive support to injured workers and their families, covering everything from medical expenses to wage replacement and even retraining if needed. Navigating the system can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Avera & Smith is here to guide you through the process, advocate for your rights, and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Our board certified Florida workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help you
Call 800-654-4659 for a free case review
At Avera & Smith, we are dedicated to helping injured workers navigate the complexities of Florida’s workers’ compensation system. If you are injured while on the job in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, The Villages, Jacksonville, or surrounding areas, contact our experienced board certified workers’ compensation attorneys right away. Free of charge, we will set up an in-person or over-the-phone consultation to help you understand your rights and legal options. We specialize in appealing denied, disputed or delayed workers’ compensation claims.
With an Avera & Smith workers’ compensation attorney on your side, your chances of maximizing your benefits are significantly better.