Florida Workers’ Compensation FAQs

Top

Submitted by jam on

An accident at work can disrupt your daily routine and cause pain, lost wages, and sometimes extensive medical treatment. If this happens to you, you can file for workers’ compensation to receive a percentage of your wages and cover your medical bills until you can return to work.

If you’ve never filed for Florida workers’ comp, you may not be sure what to do. How do you file? What evidence do you need for your claim? What happens if your claim is denied? This article explains how workers’ compensation in Florida works and how an experienced lawyer can help.

How Do I File for Workers’ Compensation in Florida?

If you've been injured on the job, you can file a workers' compensation claim, but there’s a process involved. Below is an overview of the steps you’ll need to take:

  • Seek medical attention: Go to the emergency room or see your doctor right away. In addition to seeking treatment, you’ll need medical documentation of your injury.
  • Report injury to your employer: You should notify your employer, either in writing or orally, immediately after your injury. If you suffer a job-related injury in Florida, you must report it within 30 days.
  • Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible. This may include a written report to your employer, your medical records, and statements from any witnesses to your accident.
  • File a claim: Depending on your employer, you may receive all the required claim forms. Alternatively, your employer may file your claim with their insurer on your behalf.

What Evidence Do I Need for My Florida Workers’ Comp Claim?

You should keep a complete record of your injuries, medical treatments, and related expenses, such as medications. Make copies of all paperwork and forms related to the accident. This type of documentation can help prove the extent of your injuries and support your fight for maximum compensation.

What Happens If I Am Denied Workers’ Compensation in Florida?

If your employer's insurance provider denies your claim, you have two years to appeal by filing a claim with the Employment Assistance Office and the Clerk's Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC). Make sure you also send a copy of your claim to your employer and their workers' compensation insurer.

Should I Speak to a Lawyer About My Florida Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Although you don’t technically need a lawyer to file a Florida workers’ comp claim, the process can be complex and both employers and insurance carriers have been known to deny liability, making time-consuming appeals necessary. It can be too much to deal with when you’re out of work and trying to heal.

To ensure that you stand the best chance of accessing the benefits you are entitled to, complete a free case evaluation from a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer. An experienced attorney will protect your rights, fight any attempts to unjustly deny compensation, and work to win the benefits you need to make a recovery.

Additional Resources