Workers Compensation in Port St. Lucie, 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 Port St. Lucie, Florida workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Port St. Lucie, Florida?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most severe Florida work-related injuries occur in the construction and transportation industries. However, the industries with the highest numbers of total injuries are healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and transportation. Most Port St. Lucie workplace injuries are caused by overexertion, contact with objects or equipment, and falls. The most common injuries resulting from these events are strains, sprains, and tears. Although many Port St. Lucie injuries are minor, more than 30% of statewide injuries result in missed or restricted work.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Port St. Lucie, 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.
Florida’s Division of Workers Compensation reports that most Port St. Lucie employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance. This rule applies to any employer with at least 4 employees. However, all Port St. Lucie construction employers must carry coverage, regardless of the number of employees. All medically necessary treatment is usually covered by workers compensation, as long as it is obtained through an authorized provider. If your injury causes more than 7 days of missed work, you can also receive disability benefits for lost wages. Unfortunately, Florida does not require your employer to keep your job available until you are able to return to work.
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 Port St. Lucie, 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 Port St. Lucie, 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 occured 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.
According to the Florida Division of Workers Compensation, Port St. Lucie employees have 30 days to report a work-related injury. Your employer should file the claim, but if they fail to do so, you can file it directly. However, the claim must be filed within 2 years of the injury.
Timeline and Other Information
Temporary disability compensation in Port St. Lucie is typically about 66% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1011 per week. These payments will usually continue until you are able to return to work or your condition stabilizes. However, temporary disability benefits are limited to a maximum of 104 weeks. If you are still unable to return to work at full capacity, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. The amount and duration of this compensation is determined by a formula. This formula incorporates the type and severity of the injury. A Port St. Lucie attorney can help you maximize the benefits you receive.
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 Port St. Lucie, Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in others, it may be more difficult. Your employer may 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 Port St. Lucieworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Port St. Lucie, Florida
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Port St. Lucie, 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!
