A serious work injury can affect your ability to earn a living. You will also experience extensive medical costs for treatments and rehabilitation. As a result, injured workers must receive the proper compensation to cover necessary expenses.
Understanding your rights is crucial to receiving workers’ compensation. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer answers a few of the many questions workers have when pursuing compensation.
How soon do I have to report an accident?
You should report the accident and subsequent injury to your employer as soon as possible. You have up to 30 days to do so. From there, your employer must report the incident to the insurance company within seven days. If you report the incident after the 30-day period, your employer may deny your claim.
Who provides treatment for my injuries?
Either your employer or the insurance company will specify which medical provider you must report to. From there, you will receive medication, surgery, or physical therapy as determined by the medical provider. The insurance company will cover subsequent authorized medical bills.
Can I get paid for lost wages?
The first seven days after your injury are not covered, unless the health effects last longer than 21 days. In this case, you will receive payment for the first seven days, as well as any additional days.
Will my employer hold my job?
Employers are not obligated to hold positions for injured workers. That means they may seek a replacement for you if you are unable to work for an extended period of time.
The workers’ compensation process is often complex. The more information you have your disposal, the easier it is for you to identify discrepancies and take the proper steps to rectify them.