Workers Compensation in Melbourne, FL
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Florida state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Melbourne, Florida workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Melbourne, Florida?
Employers in Melbourne do not report nonfatal occupational injuries, but plenty of data exists to consider. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 285,000 people made up the full-time workforce in Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Titusville. Around 76,600 hard-working individuals found their employment in transportation, trade, utilities, education, and health services. In 2018 alone, 7 out of every 100 of those individuals reported nonfatal workplace injuries to the U.S. Department of Labor. Assuming that the averages apply, roughly 5,360 people working for the largest employers in Brevard County may have needed workers’ compensation benefits.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Melbourne, Florida?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
The Florida Department of Financial Services states that most organizations with four or more employees should have coverage. Assuming that the compensation claim is approved, that person receives up to ⅔ of their annual salary in bi-weekly payments. Other benefits can include reimbursement for medical bills or optional vocational rehabilitation services.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Melbourne, Florida are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Melbourne, Florida healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.]
Laws passed by the Florida Legislature give an employee up to 30 days to report a work-related injury. This rule also applies if a doctor informs someone that they are suffering due to their occupation. The Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman may provide full details to beneficiaries about their rights and responsibilities.
Timeline and Other Information
The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation states that Florida law requires a 7 day waiting period before receiving payments. If an injury or illness lasts longer than three weeks, the first week gets added to a subsequent installment. Melbourne locals can stay on temporary workers’ compensation benefits for up to 104 weeks. If reason exists to believe that the suffering is permanent, an attorney can assist with applying for permanent disability.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Melbourne, Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Melbourne, Florida, in others, it may be more difficult. Your employer might ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Melbourneworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Melbourne, Florida
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Melbourne, Florida you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
