Workers’ compensation in Florida can be a complicated business. Generally speaking, if you sustain an injury on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation. However, in some instances, this is not the case.
Understanding when you are and are not eligible for workers’ compensation is paramount. According to the Chief Financial Officer of Florida, workers’ compensation will not apply in 3 major instances.
When workers’ compensation does not pay
The first major incident which results in nonpayment is a mental or nervous injury in the event of excitement, stress or fright. The second is a work-related condition that results in an employee fearing another individual on the job site due to a protected status. These statuses include religion, race, color, national origin, handicap, age and sex.
The final instance where workers’ compensation does not pay is due to “pain and suffering.” Not only will workers’ compensation not pay for this in Florida, but it will not pay in any other state. The reason for this is that it allows an employee who sustained an injury to get immediate medical care without worrying about who is at fault. It is still possible to enter into a civil suit regarding negligence at a later date.
Other instances of nonpayment
If an employee intentionally tries to injure or kill themselves on the job, workers’ compensation does not pay. It also will not pay if the employee was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the injury.
Understanding when workers’ compensation comes into play is paramount. Your health and livelihood may be at risk.