If you are injured or get sick on the job, one of the first things you will want to consider is whether you can collect workers’ compensation or not. These benefits are available to people who get into an accident through the course and scope of their employment.
However, it is important to have realistic expectations of what you stand to collect through workers’ compensation in Florida. Too many people either assume these benefits are insignificant or expect them to be massive. In reality, the amount you receive from workers’ compensation falls somewhere in the middle.
What you can collect
If you are approved to collect workers compensation, your medical bills will be covered by insurance. You will also receive payment equal to 66 2/3 of your average wages for days during which you were unable to work as a result of your injuries.
In other words, you will not have to worry about paying your medical bills, and while you aren’t completely replacing your lost wages, you will still be partially paid for missed workdays.
Important caveats to consider
In terms of payment, understand that there are limits to the amount you can collect for wage replacement, including caps on weekly wages and the number of weeks you can collect a check. You will also not receive wage replacement for the first seven days of disability, unless your disability lasts longer than 21 days.
Additionally, while most employees in Florida are covered and eligible for these benefits, not everyone is, so it is important to verify your eligibility. Note also that to receive benefits, you (or your employer) must properly report your injury.
Finally, it is important to remember that there are numerous exceptions and specifications of workers’ compensation benefits and eligibility that cannot be fully addressed here. In order to get a more comprehensive understanding of your rights as an injured worker and the legal options available to you, you can speak with an attorney.