If you have been injured at work and need worker’s compensation, you will want to know exactly what you can expect. One of the first questions that may come to mind is, “Who is eligible for workers’ compensation”?
According to Florida law, most employers must provide workers’ compensation coverage for the people who work for them. The details of that coverage are based on the specific industry, the number of employees and the way that the business is organized.
What type of assistance can I get with workers’ compensation?
The Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office (EAO) provides information and performs duties to help all people in the system. The bureau provides the following:
- Investigates disputes and helps with solutions: This is performed free of charge, without litigation and without a delay in the person receiving their benefits.
- Assists participants: The bureau helps people to complete their statutory responsibilities.
- Initiates contact: The bureau starts the discussion with injured workers to talk about their rights and responsibilities. The bureau will also inform them of the services that are available.
- Reviews claims: The bureau will review claims that injured workers have submitted and reviews the benefits that have been denied, stopped or suspended.
- Provides reemployment: The bureau will offer this to people who are eligible but who are still suffering from their injury and are still not able to return to work because of that injury or illness.
- Maintains records: The bureau collects, distributes and archives the important records.
- Provides public record information: The bureau provides this information and provides division data upon request.
If there is a dispute, how is it resolved?
If there is a dispute, the EAO will intervene and help to resolve disputes among employees, employers and insurance carriers. If the insurance carrier doesn’t provide benefits or denies a claim that was submitted, the employee can go straight to the EAO. Hopefully, the matter will then be resolved.
You should get what you are entitled to
The fact that your employer pays for your workers’ compensation benefits means that they are there if you need them in the event of injury or illness related to the job and the workplace.” The truth is that you are not asking for anything for free. You have a right to those benefits and they should be there for you if and when you need them. Your rights should be protected at all times and you deserve a good life, especially after your work-related injury or illness.