Top 5 Things To Know About Seeking Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Florida

Anyone who has been injured on the job in West Palm Beach or elsewhere in South Florida should learn more about obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. For injured workers in Florida, workers’ compensation benefits can be essential for getting necessary medical care and paying your bills when you are unable to return to work due to your disabling injuries. Yet the workers’ compensation system in Florida can be complicated, and it can be difficult for injured employees to understand some of the steps they must take in order to be eligible for compensation.

The following are the top five things you should know about seeking workers’ compensation benefits in Florida. If you need help with your claim, a South Florida workers’ compensation attorney at our firm can assist you.

1. Time Limits Exist on Workers’ Compensation Cases

You need to know that there are clear time limits when it comes to workers’ compensation cases under Florida law. You must report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, but at the very latest within 30 days from the date of your injury or diagnosis with an occupational disease. Then, you must seek workers’ compensation benefits within two years from the date of your injury or diagnosis. If you do not pay attention to these time limits, you can lose your right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, so it is critical to report and file your claim in a timely manner.

2. Injuries Must Arise Out of and Occur in the Course of Employment

In order for a workplace injury to be compensable through the Florida workers’ compensation system, you must be able to show that the injury arose out of and occurred in the course of your employment. Generally speaking, any injuries that occur while you are at work, with only a handful of exceptions, can be compensated through a workers’ compensation claim.

3. Workers’ Compensation Benefits Pay for Medical Coverage and Lost Wages

You should know that workers’ compensation benefits pay for full medical coverage related to your work injuries, and for a portion of your lost wages. You can be eligible to receive 66 and ⅔ percent of your average weekly wage.

4. Mental or Nervous Injuries Can Be Compensable

While mental or nervous injuries on their own cannot usually result in workers’ compensation benefits, it is important to know that workers’ compensation law allows an injured worker who sustains mental or nervous injuries in addition to a compensable physical injury can be eligible for compensation for the mental or nervous injuries.

5. Occupational Diseases Can Be Compensable

You should also know that workers’ compensation does not just cover injuries—it also can provide compensation for many types of occupational diseases. You should get help from a workers’ compensation lawyer to determine whether your illness or disease could be compensable.

Contact Our Experienced West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

If you got hurt on the job and need assistance seeking compensation, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in West Palm Beach is here to help you. Contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. for more information.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html