If you or someone in your family works on construction job sites, you know all too well the level and types of risks faced at work every day. Even with clearly documented safety regulations in place, some accidents still happen. Workers may also develop illnesses related to their working conditions.
When you or your relative experience an injury or illness connected to their work in the construction industry, you may seek assistance via workers’ compensation. Through this program, you may receive financial benefits and medical coverage.
Florida construction businesses and workers’ compensation
According to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, construction businesses in the state must carry workers’ compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee. The only people not counted as employees are member-owners of a limited liability company or an officer of a corporation.
Reporting work-related illnesses or injuries
Once a physician diagnoses you with a work-related illness, you should report the information to your employer within 30 days. If an on-the-job accident results in an injury, you should report that to your employer within 30 days. Delayed reporting may compromise your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
From there, your employer must report the information to their insurance carrier. You, however, may report the information yourself should your employer fail to do so for some reason. You may learn about their coverage via information posted at your company, online or via the state ombudsman.
More information about workers’ compensation benefits for employees of construction companies may be found on the injured or ill employee page of our Florida workers’ compensation website.