Mark Roman | February 6, 2025 | Workers' Compensation
If you’re injured on the job in Florida, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. By law, most employers in the state must carry this insurance, which helps pay for your medical expenses and part of your lost wages if you’re unable to work because of your injury.
Still, many people aren’t fully aware of what workers’ comp covers—or when they qualify. Here’s an easy overview to help you understand your rights.
Overview of Workers’ Compensation in Florida
Florida workers’ comp is a no-fault system. That means you can typically receive benefits no matter who caused the accident—your employer, a coworker, or even yourself (as long as you weren’t engaged in serious misconduct). In exchange, you usually can’t sue your employer for your injury. The goal is to offer quick financial relief when employees are hurt at work.
Employers or their insurance carriers may try to minimize claims by arguing your injury happened outside of work or that it isn’t severe. Knowing your coverage can help you push back and secure the benefits you deserve.
Medical Costs and Treatment
One main area workers’ comp covers is medical expenses related to your on-the-job injury or illness. This includes:
- Doctor Visits: checkups, consultations, and necessary specialist care
- Hospital Services: emergency rooms, surgeries, and inpatient stays
- Rehabilitation: physical therapy, chiropractic sessions, or occupational therapy aimed at restoring function
- Medications and Medical Devices: prescriptions, crutches, or braces you need for recovery
Keep in mind that the insurance company usually decides which doctor you can see. If you want a different doctor, you might have to go through specific procedures or risk paying out of pocket. Following your treatment plan closely is critical—missing appointments or ignoring doctor’s orders can jeopardize your claim.
Wage Replacement Benefits
Workers’ compensation typically replaces part of your lost wages if your injury stops you from working. This may come in several forms:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): This is paid if you can’t work at all while healing and generally replaces about two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a state-set limit.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): This is paid when you are able to return to work with some restrictions.
- Permanent Impairment Benefits: If your doctor decides you have a lasting disability after reaching maximum medical improvement, you receive a set amount based on the severity of your impairment.
- Permanent Total Disability: In rare cases where your injury prevents any future work, you could qualify for long-term wage benefits.
Exact payment amounts and time limits vary depending on the nature of your injury. Florida sets certain weekly payment caps, so some severe injuries exceed those caps.
What’s Not Covered
While Florida workers’ comp is broad, there are limitations:
- Intentional Harm: If you purposely caused your own injury, you likely won’t get benefits.
- Off-Duty Activities: Injuries off the job site or outside normal duties usually don’t qualify.
- Substance Use: If tests show you were impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time, your claim might be denied.
- Pain and Suffering: Workers’ comp doesn’t pay for emotional distress or non-economic damages.
If you suspect your employer or insurance carrier is wrongly denying your claim, it’s wise to consult an attorney.
A Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Florida Can Help
Navigating Florida workers’ compensation rules can be tricky; even valid claims sometimes face resistance. If you’ve been hurt on the job and need help understanding your benefits—or fighting a denial—speaking with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer is your best move. They can ensure you meet filing deadlines, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair outcome on your behalf.
Don’t let confusion or a complex system stand between you and the benefits you need to recover. Reach out now and get the support that Florida law entitles you to.
Contact the Safert Harbor Workers Compensation Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a workers compensation lawyer in Safety Harbor. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
