Workers Compensation in Florida
A workplace injury can happen in a split second but leave lasting consequences. Suddenly, you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about how to support yourself or your family.
Fortunately, workers’ compensation offers relief. Whether you need medical care, wage replacement, or vocational rehabilitation, these benefits are designed to help you recover and regain stability.
But getting the benefits you deserve can be complicated. Misunderstanding your rights, missing critical deadlines, or navigating employer disputes can leave you without the support you need during a difficult time.
This guide outlines how workers’ compensation works in Florida, the steps you need to take, and how an attorney can protect your rights and help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation Statistics in Florida
Workplace injuries and illnesses are a significant concern for Florida’s workforce. In 2023, private-sector employers reported approximately 209,000 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, equating to an incidence rate of 2.5 cases per 100 full-time employees—on par with the national average.
Some industries in Florida experience higher rates of injury than others. For instance, the healthcare and social assistance sector had an incidence rate of 4.1 cases per 100 workers, while construction reported 3.8 cases per 100 employees. These fields often involve physically demanding or hazardous tasks that increase the likelihood of injuries.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Florida?
Florida’s workers’ compensation program offers financial and medical assistance to employees who experience work-related injuries or illnesses. To qualify, the injury must arise out of and occur in the course of employment. For example, slipping on a wet floor at work or developing an illness due to exposure to harmful chemicals qualifies.
Florida law requires employers with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Construction businesses, however, must provide coverage for every employee regardless of their total number.
The Florida Department of Financial Services states that if you are receiving benefits, your benefit check is to be paid bi-weekly in the amount of 66 and 2/3rds of your average weekly wage.
Get Medical Attention
If you’re injured at work, seeking prompt medical care is the most important first step. Immediate treatment protects your health and creates an official record linking your injury to your job, which is crucial for your claim.
In Florida, your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier has the right to choose the medical provider for your initial treatment. However, if you’re dissatisfied with the care provided, you may request a one-time change of physician from the insurance carrier.
Even minor injuries should not be ignored. Some conditions, like repetitive strain injuries or illnesses from toxic exposure, may worsen if left untreated. A thorough medical evaluation ensures that all aspects of your injury are documented.
Keep detailed records of every medical visit, treatment plan, and prescription. These records will serve as key evidence if your claim is disputed or additional benefits are required.
File a First Report of Injury
Once you’ve sought medical care, the next step is to notify your employer. Florida law requires workers to report their injuries within 30 days of the incident. Failing to report within this timeframe could jeopardize your eligibility for benefits.
Your employer is responsible for filing a First Report of Injury or Illness with their insurance carrier. This document provides crucial information about the injury, including the date, time, location, and medical treatment received. Confirm with your employer that the form has been submitted promptly.
After the report is filed, the insurance company will begin investigating your claim. Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional documentation as needed. Consistency in your statements is critical to avoid delays or denials.
Florida’s statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim is two years from the date of injury. However, waiting too long could make it harder to gather evidence or secure benefits, so acting quickly is always in your best interest.
Florida law allows you to receive a maximum of 104 weeks of temporary compensation. However, you must be on a “no work” status to continue claiming benefits.
Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Many assume that filing an injury claim is a simple process. While it can be straightforward in certain cases, it often comes with unexpected challenges.
For example, your employer might dispute whether your injury occurred during work hours or off the clock. They may also question the severity of your injury, creating unnecessary obstacles in your claim.
Don’t leave your workers’ compensation claim to chance. Partner with an experienced workers’ comp attorney who will advocate for your rights and guide you through the process with confidence.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Florida
Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.
We can connect you with a local attorney or one across Florida state lines.
Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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