Florida Workers Comp Lawyer

Florida Workers Compensation Law

Florida, like most states, has laws governing the state workers’ compensation program. The program is designed to provide support to injured workers regardless of fault. In Florida, injured workers have thirty days to report their workplace injury to their employer. The employer must report the injury to the insurance carrier within seven days of being notified of the injury. If the workers’ compensation claim is approved, all authorized medical bills should be submitted by the medical provider to the employer's insurance company for payment, and all medical expenses should be covered in full while the employee is under active medical care through workers’ comp.

Workers always have questions about whether they can see their own doctor and still have their expenses paid for by workers’ comp. Florida law was changed in 1997 to require all employers to provide all medically necessary treatment through managed care arrangements. Workers must see authorized treating physicians to treat their injuries. However, injured workers are allowed a one time change in their authorized treating physician and are also allowed to obtain a second opinion by a doctor practicing the same specialty as the authorized treating physician. They are also allowed one independent medical examination by a qualified treating physician if unsatisfied with the care provided by the authorized treating physician.

Lost wages are another major benefit provided for under the workers’ compensation program. In Florida, injured workers are not paid for the first seven days of disability. However, if you lose time because your disability extends to over 21 days, you may be paid for the first seven days by the insurance company. In most cases, your bi-weekly benefit check will be two thirds of your average weekly wage. Injured workers should receive the first check within 21 days after reporting the injury to the employer.

Because injured workers are often denied benefits under the workers’ comp system unfairly, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer experienced in fighting for injured workers’ rights. Louis Pfeffer has the experience and expertise necessary to fight for your rights to compensation. Contact us today for a free workers’ comp consultation. Call 561-745-8011 or fill out our online form.