According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, there are almost 60,000 workers’ compensation claims made in Florida each year. People are injured on the job while working in Florida all the time, and they’re entitled to file these claims if they would like.

Were you recently hurt while working in Florida? Then you might want to brush up on Florida workers’ compensation law to make sure you understand it. It’ll ensure that you know whether or not you should put in a workers’ comp claim.

The employment laws in Florida and all other states for that matter are always changing. With this in mind, you might want to touch base with a lawyer if you’re confused at all about how workers’ compensation works in The Sunshine State.

You should also continue reading to get a basic overview of Florida workers’ compensation law so that you’re able to comprehend it. Here’s what you need to know about workers’ compensation in this particular state.

Almost All Companies in Florida Must Carry Workers’ Compensation Policies

There are some states that will let companies get away with not carrying workers’ compensation policies. But Florida is not one of them.

There are some exceptions to this rule. But generally speaking, Florida workers’ compensation law dictates that almost all of the companies in the state must carry workers’ compensation policies. This is designed to prevent employees from being able to file lawsuits against their employers.

That being said, not every company will pay the same amount of money for workers’ comp. The National Council on Compensation Insurance has created workers comp classification codes that help insurance companies that offer workers’ comp come up with rates for businesses.

Only Employees Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Florida

Although most companies in Florida must carry workers’ compensation policies, that doesn’t mean that every single person who works for them will be covered. Only employees and, in many cases, full-time employees will be able to get access to their employers’ workers’ compensation policies.

As a result, any independent contractors who work for companies aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation in Florida. They will, therefore, be out of luck if they’re ever injured on the job under the current employment laws. They’ll assume this risk when they agree to work as independent contractors for companies.

Florida Workers’ Compensation Law Is Fairly Generous

If you read through the entire Florida Workers’ Compensation Act, you’ll find that it’s jampacked with so many rules and regulations. But you’ll also find that it’s pretty generous when you consider the workers’ compensation laws that are on the books in some other states.

Many people assume that workers’ compensation will only cover lost wages for those injured at work. But in Florida, they take things a step further and also pay for things like medical care and even rehabilitation stints.

This will be very important to you if you’re ever hurt while working in Florida. You’ll be able to rest a little easier knowing that your expenses will be covered if you’re able to get approved for workers’ comp.

Florida Workers Must Report Work-Related Injuries Quickly

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to Florida workers’ compensation law is that you’re going to need to be prepared to act fast. If you drag your feet even a little, it could lead to a workers’ comp claim getting denied.

In the immediate aftermath of an injury at work, you’ll need to notify your boss about it within 30 days. If you don’t let your boss know about your injury by then, you might hurt your chances of getting approved for workers’ comp.

You should also begin gathering evidence to prove your claim as soon as you can. Time is definitely going to be of the essence when you’re filing a workers’ comp claim.

Applying for Florida Workers’ Compensation Is Necessary

Letting your boss know you were injured while at work is just the first step you’ll have to take when trying to get approved for workers’ comp. Florida workers’ compensation law will also call for you to fill out a claim form through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation.

This claim form will include your personal information. It’ll also include information about your employer. And of course, it’ll include information about your injury, too.

Here are some of the things you’ll need to provide to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation with your claim form:

• An explanation of the injury you sustained at work
• Medical documentation proving that you suffered a specific injury or injuries
• Proof that you’ve lost wages due to your work-related injury

If you aren’t able to supply sufficient evidence with your claim, it could result in it getting denied. It’s why you should fill out a workers’ comp claim work both thoroughly and quickly.

Florida Workers’ Compensation Isn’t Ever Guaranteed

Despite the fact that Florida workers’ compensation law is generous, it isn’t ever guaranteed. There are some instances in which you might end up having a claim denied for one reason or another.

Your claim could get denied if:

• You’ve had other claims denied in the past
• Your employer disputes the cause of your injury at work
• Your employer or their insurance company disagrees with the benefits you should be owed

There are times when you might have to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to step in and handle your case. It might be the only way to get your claim approved in the end.

Start Filing for Florida Workers’ Compensation Now

If you were injured at work in Florida, you could have a strong workers’ compensation case on your hands. After discovering more about Florida workers’ compensation law here, you should begin pursuing it.

Your workers’ comp claim could help you collect the compensation you need right now. It could also help you get back on your feet so that you can get back to work eventually.

Read through other informative articles like this one by poking around on the rest of our blog.