If you have been injured on the job in Florida, you may be entitled to a range of benefits through the workers’ compensation system. Understanding what those benefits are and how they work can help you make informed decisions during a stressful time.
Medical Benefits
Florida workers’ compensation covers all medically necessary treatment related to your workplace injury. This includes emergency care, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and follow-up appointments. Importantly, you should not have to pay out of pocket for authorized medical treatment. Your employer’s insurance carrier is responsible for those costs.
Wage Replacement Benefits
If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to temporary disability benefits. Florida distinguishes between two types. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) applies when you cannot work at all. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) applies when you can work in a limited capacity but are earning less than you did before the injury. These benefits are generally calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury results in a lasting impairment, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. A doctor will assign an Impairment Rating once you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), the point at which your condition is not expected to improve further. That rating is used to calculate your permanent impairment benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, Florida’s workers’ compensation system may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you retrain for a new career.
Death Benefits
In the tragic event that a workplace injury or illness results in death, surviving dependents may be entitled to death benefits, including funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.
What Can Go Wrong
Insurance carriers sometimes deny claims, dispute injury severity, or cut off benefits prematurely. They may argue that your injury is not work-related or that you have reached MMI before you actually have. These tactics can leave you without the care and income you need.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help
William Heller has spent over 35 years helping injured workers in South Florida navigate the workers’ compensation system. He understands how insurance companies operate and is not afraid to fight for the full benefits his clients deserve.
If you have been hurt at work, do not face this process alone. Call William Heller today for a free consultation at (954) 921-7171.