Workers’ Compensation provides crucial coverage to workers injured on the job. It can also be a difficult system to navigate, which is why victims should always seek help from a trusted attorney when pursuing Workers’ Compensation benefits.

Workers’ Compensation can pay for all medically necessary treatment for a workplace injury. It can also compensate you for some, but not all, of your lost wages, the exact amount depending on your disability. Workers’ Compensation also pays death benefits for fatal injuries, which go to the deceased worker’s surviving spouse and children. Workers’ Compensation most likely covers your occupational injury or illness, so see if you have a claim if you cannot work because of an on-the-job accident.

Call the Graves Injury Law Firm’s Workers’ Compensation lawyers at (305) 614-2767 to get your free case review.

What Medical Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide to Injured Workers?

Medical benefits are an essential part of Workers’ Compensation and should be accessible to all injured employees who qualify.

Workers’ Compensation must pay for all medically necessary treatment related to an occupational injury or illness provided by an authorized physician. Florida employers reserve the right to choose employees’ treating physicians for workplace injuries. Because of this, deviating from the approved list of doctors could complicate your access to full compensation for all the medical treatment you receive.

If you suffer a serious injury at work, you most likely will not be able to see an authorized physician for your emergency treatment, but those costs should still be covered by your employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier.

What Lost-Wage Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide to Injured Workers?

Lost wages are a major consequence of workplace injuries, and Workers’ Compensation offers lost-wage benefits that replace some, but not all, of your income while you are unable to work.

Temporary Total Disability

The weekly Workers’ Compensation check for workers who qualify for temporary total disability should be equal to 66 2/3 of their average weekly wage at the time of injury. Temporary total disability lost-wage payments can last up to 104 weeks, at which point injured workers can be assessed for permanent impairment.

Temporary Partial Disability

The weekly Workers’ Compensation check for workers who qualify for temporary partial disability benefits should be equal to 80% of the difference between 80% of a worker’s pre- and post-injury wages. Temporary partial disability benefits may not exceed 66 2/3 of a worker’s average wage at the time of injury. Temporary partial disability benefits stop when you can return to work at full capacity or once 104 weeks are up.

Permanent Total Disability

Workers qualify for permanent total disability benefits if they are physically unable to engage in any employment, including sedentary employment, after reaching maximum medical improvement. Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis, severe brain injuries that cause sensory, motor, and communication disturbances or serious neurological disorders, and second- or third-degree burns over 25% of your body may qualify you for permanent total disability benefits in Florida.

The weekly Workers’ Compensation check for workers who qualify for permanent total disability should be equal to 66 2/3 of their average weekly wage at the time of injury.

Impairment Income Benefits

Once you reach maximum medical improvement for a workplace injury, your physician can assess you for impairment income benefits. If you have permanent impairments that affect your earning capacity and get an impairment rating of over 0%, you can get more money from Workers’ Compensation in Florida.

What Death Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide for Fatal Injuries?

Fatal occupational injuries and illnesses are also deserving of Workers’ Compensation benefits to be paid to the deceased workers’ survivors.

Funeral Costs

Workers’ Compensation covers up to $7,500 in funeral and burial expenses, which insurance carriers must pay within 14 days of receiving the bill from the deceased employee’s survivors.

Lost-Wage Benefits

Lost wages are a major consequence of workplace injuries, and Workers’ Compensation offers lost-wage benefits that replace some, but not all, of your income while you are unable to work.

Educational Benefits

Workers’ Compensation also covers postsecondary education fees for up to 1,800 classroom hours for the spouses of deceased workers.

Workers’ Compensation FAQs Answered for Hallandale Beach Workers

How Involved Do You Have to Be in Your Workers’ Comp Case?

Our Workers’ Compensation can mitigate any stress you feel during your case by handling the claim for you, limiting your involvement and interaction with the carrier, and potentially speeding up your claim’s approval.

What Injuries Should Workers’ Comp Cover?

Injuries sustained during the course of employment and while at work should be covered by Workers’ Compensation. Accidental injuries are also covered, even if it was you who made a mistake.

What Injuries Does Workers’ Comp Not Cover?

Injuries sustained outside of the workplace or not during the normal course of employment are not covered by Workers’ Compensation. Neither are injuries caused by a worker being drunk at the workplace nor intentionally harming themselves.

Do You Have to Report an Injury to Get Workers’ Comp?

You absolutely have to report a workplace injury to get Workers’ Compensation in Hallandale Beach, and you only have 30 days to do so and still get damages.

Do You Have to Be Evaluated by a Doctor Before Getting Workers’ Comp?

You must be evaluated by an authorized physician in order to get approved for Workers’ Compensation in Florida. Insurers require detailed medical records that show the full extent of an injury before they will start paying benefits.

When Does Workers’ Comp Cover Damages from Physicians Who Are Not Authorized?

Workers’ Compensation typically only covers medical treatment provided by physicians who are not insurer-authorized for emergency care, if you request a one-time change of physician and the insurer fails to authorize it within 5 days, or if you are referred to a specialist by an authorized physician.

Call Us About Your Workers’ Comp Case

Call the Graves Injury Law Firm’s Workers’ Compensation lawyers today at (305) 614-2767 for a free case discussion.