5 Things You Need to Know about Workers Compensation in Florida

Many people understand little about workers’ compensation programs until they are injured and need information. Because workers’ compensation is usually the sole remedy you have to gain needed benefits if you are injured on the job, it is important to understand the features of the program and the application process.

Depending on the severity and type of your injury, your involvement in the workers’ compensation process may prove easy or frustrating. Consider these five points about workers’ compensation in Florida:

1. If injured, report the injury to your employer or supervisor immediately, but no later than 30 days from the accident. Failure to report your injury could result in loss of your claim. You must seek medical help from physicians specified by your employer.

1. Workers’ compensation coverage is provided by your employer, not the state. The insurance carrier for your employer reviews your claim and gives you notice of benefits granted or denied.

1. Because you are required to seek treatment only from doctors authorized by the insurance carrier, you may or may not be properly diagnosed and receive adequate treatment for your injury.

1. In most cases, unless your injury is caused by a third party, there is no compensation for pain, suffering, mental or nervous injury. Types of benefits provided include lost wages, temporary partial or total disability, income impairment or permanent disability benefits and vocational rehabilitation.

1. Medical benefits are a common source of dispute in workers’ compensation matters. Delays in treatment and receipt of benefits are not uncommon. The insurance carrier for your employer is liable for necessary medical care, prescriptions and long-term needed treatment.

Too often, workers’ compensation cases are rushed to settlement by unscrupulous insurance carriers or even attorneys working under the limited fee cap of workers’ compensation regulations. Despite the limitations of the Florida workers’ compensation program, you have important rights and are entitled to benefits. Always get reputable legal help if you are denied benefits, receive poor treatment or are being pressured to settle your case.