Workers compensation FAQ

Employers hold workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees who suffer from job-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits cover lost wages, medical expenses, funeral costs, and legal fees. Workers’ compensation requirements vary by state. In Florida, employers with four or more employees must provide workers’ compensation coverage.

Almost any injury or illness that employees suffer as a direct result of their job duties can come under the purview of workers’ compensation. In Florida, the Division of Workers’ Compensation has documented the most common causes of workplace injuries reported in claims filed in 2021:

• Heat/Cold exposure leading to burns or scalds: 1,185 cases
• Getting caught in or between machinery: 2,277 cases
• Suffering cuts, punctures, or scrapes: 2,852 cases
• Falling or slipping and getting injured: 16,241 cases
• Straining or spraining muscles: 18,964 cases
• Being struck or stepping on something that caused injury: 1,901 cases
• Getting hit or injured by equipment or objects: 7,679 cases

In some unfortunate instances, workplace injuries can also result in fatalities. In such cases, the bereaved family members can file for workers’ compensation on behalf of the deceased employee.

In order to be eligible for workers’ compensation, there are several requirements that must be met. These include being an employee, working for an employer with workers’ comp insurance, suffering from a work-related injury, and adhering to the statute of limitations for reporting your injury. Unlike personal injury cases, the cause of the injury doesn’t need to be the fault of the employer, but rather it must have occurred while performing duties for the employer’s benefit. For instance, injuries sustained while loading boxes, falling from a scaffold, or while driving a work vehicle may qualify for workers’ compensation. However, there can be instances where eligibility for workers’ compensation isn’t clear, such as accidents that occur when driving to work. Therefore, hiring an experienced workers’ comp attorney is recommended to help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, even if your employer rejects your claim.

As per the Florida laws, it is advisable to report your injury at the earliest, but definitely within 30 days of the injury occurrence or initial symptom onset. Failing to do so, your claim may risk the possibility of rejection, unless certain clauses make an exception.

Moreover, it is mandatory to file petitions for availing benefits within two years in Florida. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can assist in ensuring compliance with all the deadlines in your claim process.

As per Florida law, it is advisable to report your injury at the earliest, but definitely within 30 days of the injury occurrence or initial symptom onset. Failing to do so, your claim may risk the possibility of rejection unless certain clauses make an exception.

Moreover, it is mandatory to file petitions for availing benefits within two years in Florida. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can assist in ensuring compliance with all the deadlines in your claim process.