Florida’s Worker’s Compensation

by | Aug 5, 2010 | Worker's Compensation

All Florida employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Florida workers who are injured on the job are qualified to receive workers’ compensation benefits that help cover the costs of lost wages and medical expenses. Accidents will happen however, under the Florida law, an employer is responsible for keeping the work environment safe for all workers. Florida workers’ compensation injuries can be caused by slipping and falling, chemical burns, faulty equipment, lenient safety regulations, or carelessness of fellow workers.

FLORIDA’S WORKER’S COMPENSATION

 

Read the Florida Statues on UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

The system through which benefits are provided to an employee who suffers a work-related injury or illness.

  1.  When you are hurt at work tell your boss, your supervisor or the person in charge as soon as possible.
  2. In Florida you have 30 days to report an on the job accident.
  3. In Florida you can’t go to any doctor you choose. Your employer will tell you which doctor you can see.
  4. Your employer should let your insurance company know within 7 days that you were injured at work.
  5.  Your employer will need to fill out a form called the “First Report of Injury” .You need to get a copy of this form. Remember it is a 3rd degree felony if you commit fraud with the workers’ compensation system in Florida.
  6. Your worker’s compensation doctors will provide the medical care you need.
  7. Keep all doctors appointments and cooperate with them so that you can get back to work as soon as possible.
  8. If your injury causes you to miss more than 7 days of work, you may receive payment for part of you lost wages.
  9. Generally you will get two-thirds of your average weekly wage. If you miss more than 21 days of work, you will also be paid for the first 7 days.
  10. Your employer’s insurance company is required to send you a booklet explaining these benefits.
  11.  If your injury is so bad you are not able to return to the work you once did your employer may have light duty work that you can do until you are better.
  12.  If your injury is serious and you are never able to do what you were doing before you may be able to get retraining.

For information call your insurance company or contact your local Bureau of Rehabilitation and Medical Services.
Crisis Intervention Program  (850) 245-3470

Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment Compensation Claims

 If you have any problems or feel you have not received all the benefits entitled to you under the law you can call the

“Employee Assistance Office”
Bureau of Employee Assistance
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-4225

You can also visit the “Division of Workers’ Compensation” at:
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/wc/

Division of Workers’ Compensation,
200 East Gaines Street,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-4220

Workers’ Compensation Claims: 1-800-342-1741

Workers’ Compensation Exemption/ Compliance: 1-800-742-2214

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Headquarters Office
2002 Old Saint Augustine Road, Building A
Tallahassee, Florida 32301-4862
(850) 245-3399 (Voice/TDD)
(800) 451-4327 (Voice/TDD)
Director:   Bill Palmer
http://www.rehabworks.org