A workplace accident can wreak havoc on your health, finances and overall wellbeing. When you are in this difficult situation, you can seek monetary benefits through Florida’s workers’ compensation system.
Although the system has its faults and complications, you may be able to obtain the financial help you need to recover from your occupational injury.
Medical care
Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may cover all expenses for necessary medical care to treat your work-related injury. This only applies if you receive treatment from an authorized health care provider. You may also get reimbursed for the transportation for attending appointments and picking up prescription medications.
Temporary disability
According to Florida workers’ compensation laws, you may qualify for temporary disability benefits if you need to take time off from work to heal. These benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly pay up to an annually-adjusted legal limit. Compensation for serious injuries, such as the loss of a limb, paralysis or blindness, is 80% of your weekly pay.
Permanent impairment benefits
When either you complete your medical treatment or you have six weeks before your temporary benefits are going to expire, your doctor will determine whether you have any ongoing impairment from your injury. You may receive permanent payments according to the severity of your impairment.
Permanent total disability benefits
If you have a permanent condition that prevents you from performing any work, you may qualify to receive permanent benefits at the same rate as temporary benefits. These benefits last until your Social Security retirement age.
This is educational information about workers’ compensation benefits and should not be taken as legal advice.