A quick guide to workers’ compensation laws in Florida
Florida is more than just a travel destination. While tourism is a major industry here, Florida is home to a wide range of businesses. Whether you work in tourism, health care, retail or any other industry, it is crucial for you to know the workers’ compensation laws in the Sunshine State.
When you have an understanding of how the law works, you will be ready to report any injury and get the compensation you need to recover.
Available benefits
The workers’ compensation program in Florida offers the following benefits:
- Medical care coverage
- Temporary total disability
- Temporary partial disability
- Impairment benefits
Whether you have a minor accident that temporarily disables you or you suffer from a catastrophic injury, you can get the benefits you need through workers’ compensation.
Statute of limitations
If you want to maximize your chances of getting the full benefits you deserve, you must inform your employer of any injury as soon as possible. Generally speaking, you have thirty days to report your injury and two years further to file benefit petitions. There are some exceptions to these time frames.
Covered injuries
Not every type of workplace injury makes you eligible for workers’ compensation. However, not every employer will be honest about whether your injury is covered, so you should always seek professional advice to determine whether you can file a petition. The program covers most injuries and diseases that occur at your occupation, even if you were technically at fault.
Retaliation or denial of benefits
Your employer is not allowed to threaten you if you file for benefits. For example, it is illegal for a boss to threaten to fire someone over an injury. You may also face a denial of your claim because of false information or a mistake. In these circumstances, you may need to get legal help to gain access to your benefits.
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