The duration for which you can receive workers’ compensation benefits varies, but for most people, it is 104 weeks or until you return to your previous job.
Most employees who get hurt on the job miss a few days of work and then return to their job. Even when they cannot return to their previous job, they can often find employment in some other field. In rare cases, catastrophic injuries prevent an injured employee from working any job.
Florida workers’ compensation income benefits do not begin until day eight. You do not get paid for the first week you miss work, at least not right away. It is typically expected to use vacation or sick leave to cover this time away. However, if you miss 21 days or more, you can receive workers’ compensation pay for the time if you missed.
Also, medical care coverage for your injury and related complications lasts for the rest of your life or until you reach a settlement with the insurer for a lump-sum payout. You can also continue to draw workers’ compensation benefits in Florida until you reach age 75, in some cases.
Once your income benefits begin, though, you will receive temporary total disability or temporary partial disability payments while you are out of work. These compensate you for a portion of your lost income (total) or a portion of the difference between your current income and your previous income (partial).
Permanent Total Disability Does Not Run Out Until Age 75
Getting permanent total disability requires evidence showing that you are unable to even work a sedentary job. Once you qualify for permanent total disability, it continues until you reach age 75 or until there is evidence that you are capable of returning to the workforce. That is how long workers’ compensation benefits last in Florida in this case.
With this level of disability, you may also qualify for Social Security Disability with this type of workers’ compensation insurance coverage, but there may be a reduction in your workers’ compensation payment amount.
Many Injured Workers Negotiate Workers’ Compensation Settlements With the Insurance Company
In many cases, injured workers negotiate a lump-sum settlement with the workers’ compensation insurance company instead of continuing to draw income benefits for years or even decades. This is allowed under Florida law, but there are rules on how and when this is possible.
Having an attorney working on your case before you negotiate a settlement with the workers’ compensation insurance company can help you receive an equitable settlement.
The Attorneys From Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help With Your Florida Workers’ Compensation Case
If you need help understanding or fighting for the workers’ compensation benefits in Florida you deserve, reach out to Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers. Based on the facts of your case, we can help you understand how your benefits should work and how long your workers’ compensation benefits should last. We can act when you are not getting the benefits you deserve.
At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, you will always work with one of our partners directly. Partners and founding attorneys Jason Chalik and Debi Chalik take a hands-on approach to every case. Let our family help yours.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Will Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
We can review your case, appeal a workers’ compensation denial, or take action to help secure the workers’ compensation benefits in Florida to which you are legally entitled. Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to pursue damages through a claim against a liable party in your accident.
For example, if a supplier visiting your work hits you with their truck, the driver’s employer may be liable for some of the expenses and losses you experienced as a result.
Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney About Your Benefits
At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, our attorneys and staff can simplify the workers’ compensation system for you. We will work on your behalf to challenge a denial or other issues with the workers’ compensation insurance company and how they pay you the benefits you deserve. We take on workers’ compensation cases from our 12 offices across Florida. Call (855) 529-0269 today to get started with a free case review with one of our offices nearest you.
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