After suffering an injury on the job, Florida workers look for information about their workers’ compensation benefits.
Where that coverage comes from and what benefits apply are common questions asked by those seeking to file a compensation claim.
Who covers my claim?
The government entity controlling your workers’ compensation benefits depends on your job. The U.S. Department of Labor oversees the four types of compensation available to injured federal workers, including wage replacement, medical treatment funding, job rehabilitation and other benefits.
For those employed by a private company, however, state boards govern programs for workers’ compensation. In Florida, the Division of Workers’ Compensation handles workers’ these claims.
Types of benefits
The specifics of your disability determine the amount of assistance you will receive. For employees of private companies, the Florida Statutes define what kind of compensation is available.
- Medical—If you see the doctor approved by your employer, workers’ compensation benefits will cover your injury-related medical expenses.
- Temporary total disability (TTD)—When your injury fully impairs your ability to work, but only for a limited time, you receive TTD benefits equal to about 66.67% of your average weekly income.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD)—If you can still work but cannot earn as much as you did before, workers’ compensation benefits pay you a percentage based on a complicated formula: 80% of the difference between 80% what you made before and what you can make now.
- Impairment benefits—If you sustained a permanent disability, you may receive continuous workers’ compensation assistance to help you cope with the lifelong effects of permanent impairment.