Employees who are injured on their jobs may receive workers’ compensation benefits through their employers. These benefits consist of payment for medical services needed to recover from the injury, part of lost wages, and re-employment assistance.
Who is eligible?
Workers who are injured during the course of employment may receive workers’ compensation benefits through their employers. Employers with four or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation coverage in Florida.
What benefits are provided?
Workers’ compensation pays for medical services related to the injury or illness contracted on the job, including health care providers, hospital care, dental care, prescription drugs, braces, crutches, and other medical supplies. The health care provider is selected by the employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Workers’ compensation also provides lost wages up to an amount representing the statewide average wage and, as needed, re-employment assistance, consisting of placement assistance and retraining when appropriate. An employee may not be terminated for being injured on the job, but the employee’s position need not be kept open until the employee is able to return to work. Benefits are provided until the employee attains the maximum amount of medical improvement, as determined by the health care provider, and the employee may receive additional medical care by making co-payments.
How do I apply?
You may apply for workers’ compensation through your employer. If you have any questions, you may contact the state Employee Assistance Office at 1-800-342-1741 or the Worker’s Compensation Customer Service Center at (850) 413-1601. You may appeal workers’ compensation decisions and may be represented by an attorney in your appeal.
