Workers’ Compensation Claims in Florida: What Are the Types?
When people go to work in Florida, they do not expect to get hurt. However, accidents can happen at any time, even if the employer places safety at the top of the priority list. If you are hurt and unable to return to work, how are you going to make ends meet? That is where workers’ compensation benefits can be helpful. What are the different types of workers’ compensation claims you can file? There are several examples you should keep in mind.
A Claim for Temporary Disability Benefits
One of the most common workers’ compensation claims someone may file is called a temporary disability claim. A temporary claim applies to someone who cannot return to work due to injuries sustained while on the job. That individual may be able to return to work in the future, with or without restrictions. If someone is unable to make 80 percent of the wages they were making before the accident, that person can apply for temporary workers’ compensation benefits.
A Claim for Impairment Benefits
Another type of claim someone may be able to file is called impairment benefits. If someone’s condition is not expected to improve, the doctor can claim that person has already achieved his or her maximum medical improvement. This means that an individual will have permanent work restrictions, allowing that person to file for impairment benefits. This type of category is appropriate for someone who is able to return to work but has a permanent impairment of some type.
A Claim for Permanent Disability Benefits
There is a third type of workers’ compensation claim called permanent disability benefits. Someone may be eligible to receive permanent disability benefits if, after that person has achieved his or her maximum medical improvement, that person’s injuries are so severe that that person is unable to return to work at all. If someone is unable to return to work at all, that person is going to have a lot of trouble paying bills. That is why permanent workers’ compensation disability benefits have been put in place.
A Claim for Death Benefits
Finally, there is a category in workers’ compensation claims for death benefits. If someone has suffered an accident at work and this results in death within 12 months of the accident, that person’s beneficiaries may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim for death benefits. Similarly, if someone passes away after five years of continuous disability due to an accident at work, the same scenario may apply. In this case, the family of the person who has passed away would be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. This could include education benefits, funeral expenses, allowances for dependents, and other types of benefits.
Rely on Professional Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Florida
Not many law firms in the state of Florida have an attorney who is board certified in workers’ compensation law. In fact, less than 1 percent have that certification. Avera & Smith partner Lance Avera is one of the few. Rely on Avera & Smith, professional workers’ compensation lawyers located in Gainesville, if you’re looking for assistance filing a workers’ compensation claim. Handling issues related to cumulative trauma injury claims, construction injury claims and even an asbestos claim, you should make sure your rights are adequately defended with the help of the workers’ compensation lawyers at Avera & Smith in Gainesville, FL.