Workplace Injury: Not Ready For Work

For workers injured on the job in Florida, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance. This program provides medical, wage loss and other benefits in the event of injury. If injured, you might not be able to return to the work you did before, but your doctor says you can — what happens next?

In most cases when you are injured, you are required at the outset to seek treatment by a healthcare provider designated by your insurance provider. Florida workers’ compensation laws oftentimes do not support workers, but they do support employers.

Physicians working for insurance companies may not be able to provide objective medical opinion about when you are able to return to work, or when you reach a true point of maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Many employers provide opportunities for light duty for employees who are healing from workplace injury. These bridging programs help you gradually return to the workplace without full resumption of your former responsibilities.

If full recovery is expected, you may be able to work back into your former position. If MMI has been reached and you are unable to do the same work, you are eligible through workers’ compensation for rehabilitative and vocational training to assist you in training and finding work you can do.

In the case of outright disagreement between your actual medical condition and recovery claimed by the company physician, talking to experienced legal counsel is essential to retain your right to medical and wage loss benefits under Florida workers’ compensation. Speak with our firm if you have questions.