Workplace accidents happen, even to model employees. As presented by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Florida requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to create a safety net for employees who suffer injuries at work. While not all employers have workers’ compensation insurance, most full-time and part-time employees are entitled to benefits if a workplace injury occurs.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation on your legal options following a workplace injury.
Employers With Workers’ Compensation Insurance
From Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, examples of employers that are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in Florida include:
- Employers in non-construction fields with at least four employees
- Construction companies with at least one employee
- State and local governments
- Farmers with five or more employees or 12 or more seasonal employees
Independent contractors are typically not covered under workers’ compensation policies. This status will be important when you discuss your employment with a Fort Myers workers’ compensation commission lawyer if you suffered injuries at work.
A Fort Myers workers’ compensation commission lawyer specializes in helping you navigate the complexities of claims involving workplace injuries and can:
- Argue your case
- File a claim
- Appeal a denial of benefits
- Apply for disability and unemployment benefits
- Gather evidence to support your claim
What Workers’ Compensation Covers
Employers carry workers’ compensation insurance to reimburse economic costs employees incur following an accident or injury at work.
Workers’ compensation benefits can cover:
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices
- Prescription medications
- Medical appointments
Temporary Disability
From the FAQ for Injured Workers, when you are unable to work for up to 20 days following the injury, you can receive temporary disability benefits that can compensate you for lost earnings. You can receive these benefits if you are completely unable to work or if your injury results in limitations that decrease your earnings.
The first seven days of lost wages are not covered unless your injuries affect your ability to work for 21 days or longer.
Permanent Disability
If you suffer an injury at work, and it causes long-term disability, a Fort Myers workers’ compensation commission lawyer can file a claim for permanent impairment or disability benefits. An injury must cause you to sustain a chronic condition that limits or prevents you from working long-term.
Generally, workers’ compensation reimburses you two-thirds of your pre-injury wages but is capped at Florida’s average weekly wage.
What To Do if You Suffer Injuries at Work
You need to immediately report your injury to your employer to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. You may have to attend medical appointments at approved providers who report the severity of your injuries to your employer’s insurance company. A Fort Myers workers’ compensation commission lawyer can represent your interests following an injury at work, which can help you receive the proper benefits.
To discuss your workers’ compensation claim, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
When you sustain injuries at work, the workers’ compensation process can be difficult to navigate. A Fort Myers workers’ compensation commission lawyer can help you while you heal. Injuries may entitle you to lost wages and reimbursement for medical costs.
To find out more about what benefits you are entitled to receive following a workplace injury, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 for your free consultation.