Are you working in Florida as a caregiver for seniors or have you gotten a job with a sightseeing company? Whatever type of work you’ve decided to pursue, it’s essential for you to understand workers’ compensation laws. If you are injured while employed in the Sunshine State, you have specific rights you’ll want to protect.
Understanding workers’ compensation benefits
Getting injured on the job can entitle you to receive workers’ compensation benefits. This payment to you is a method of replacing your wages. The amount you are entitled to get depends on your injury’s impact on your ability to work.
When do benefits begin?
Knowing when your benefits begin depends on the following information:
- Benefits begin on day eight of your disability if it lasts fewer than 22 days
- Benefits begin on day one of your disability if it lasts more than 21 days
Are there any restrictions on the type of injury?
Most occupational diseases and accidental injuries occurring when you are working are covered. However, if you have a mental injury, it probably won’t be covered unless it’s due to a physical injury.
Statute of limitations and restrictions
If you are injured on the job and want to collect workers’ compensation benefits, you typically need to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. In addition, filing petitions for benefits has a two-year hard deadline. Getting treated by your doctor requires the authorization of your workers’ compensation insurance company. Also, unlike other states, your employer doesn’t have to keep your job available for you to continue when you feel healthy enough to come back to work.
Knowing how workers’ compensation laws affect you is vital. Learning all you can about its intricacies is critical if you’re in this position as you’ll be dealing with several factors at the same time you’re injured.