Submitted by pec on Mon, 09/25/2023 - 14:56 pec's Blog Do you live and work in Florida? Have you been harmed in a work-related accident? Or, do you think you have developed a health condition resulting from the work you do? You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if so. Keep reading to learn more about your legal options. The following guide explains the basics of Florida’s workers’ comp laws and what type of settlement you might receive if you file a valid worker’s compensation claim. Florida Workers’ Compensation Laws Per Florida workers’ compensation laws, most employers in Florida with four or more employees need to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. There’s a good chance this legal requirement applies to your employer. Workers’ compensation in Florida ideally serves to benefit both employees and employers. Under Florida’s workers’ comp system, employees can seek compensation for certain economic losses resulting from workplace accidents and work-related illnesses by filing claims with their employers’ workers’ compensation insurance. Employers benefit from the system because employees who file workers’ comp claims typically can’t sue their employers for negligence. What Goes Into a Florida Workers’ Compensation Settlement Florida’s workers’ compensation settlements should compensate injured or sick workers for economic losses they have incurred. These include: Medical expenses Some lost wages, if an injury or illness prevents an applicant from working for a period of time A Florida workers’ compensation settlement might also compensate a claimant for legal fees if necessary. Additionally, if an individual loses their life as a result of a workplace accident or work-related illness, their surviving loved ones may file a workers’ compensation claim to cover funeral costs. A Florida workers’ compensation settlement won’t provide compensation for non-economic losses. For example, a workers’ comp applicant in Florida can’t seek compensation for pain and suffering. Average Florida Workers’ Compensation Settlement It’s important to understand that various factors can influence how much money a workers’ compensation applicant in Florida might collect. These factors include (but are not necessarily limited to): The severity of an applicant’s injuries, as more severe injuries may require more extensive medical treatment Whether an injury or illness prevented an applicant from working, and if so, for how long As of 2023, the average Florida workers’ compensation settlement amount is about $20,000. However, this doesn’t mean you should expect to receive a similar payout. Some applicants receive less than $20,000, while others may receive substantially more. Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Receiving the workers’ comp benefits for which you’re eligible in Florida isn’t always a simple process. Unfortunately, some insurance companies attempt to deny claims or offer less than applicants deserve to receive in an effort to save money. Demonstrating to an insurance company that you’re eligible for workers’ comp may require gathering substantial evidence to present a strong case. This isn’t a task you need to complete on your own. Instead, a lawyer can assist you, potentially improving your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent attorney who may be able to help with your case. Additional Resources What is the Workers’ Compensation Filing Process in Florida?
