Florida’s workers’ compensation laws follow a no-fault insurance system. The system provides benefits to employees who suffer harm from work-related accidents and illnesses and protects companies from lawsuits.
The Division of Workers’ Compensation oversees and administers the system, providing assistance to workers, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agencies. The team of personal injury attorneys at Fasig | Brooks has the experience needed to guide you through this process and advocate on your behalf. Contact a hard-working and experienced Valdosta workers’ compensation lawyer if you need help with a case.
What Are the Requirements for Employers?
State laws require most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance and benefits to cover job-related injuries and illnesses. Employer insurance requirements vary, for example:
- Non-construction businesses with four or more full-time, part-time, or temporary employees must provide coverage
- Construction businesses with one or more employees must provide coverage
- Agricultural businesses must provide coverage when they have six or more regular employees, or 12 or more temporary employees
- Out-of-state companies must provide employees working in the state with insurance benefits from an approved carrier
- General contractors, employing subcontractors and independent contractors, must offer coverage as required under state laws
Exemptions may be available for sole proprietors and other companies, such as limited liability companies. Our attorneys could review what benefits are available to you during a consultation about your Valdosta workers’ compensation claim.
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Workers’ Comp Coverage and Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to most residents of the state, covering employees for accidental injuries, repetitive stress injuries, deaths arising from the course of employment, and occupational diseases. Benefits include medical care, wage replacement, rehabilitation, and death benefits. Coverage is not available for accidents occurring due to intoxication or self-inflicted injuries, such as horseplay, unless the company contributed to the risk. Our experienced lawyers could provide specific advice about your Valdosta workers’ compensation claim.
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits cover all necessary and reasonable costs associated with treatment, including doctor’s office visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medication. The employer chooses the initial provider, but the injured worker can seek a second option after five days.
Temporary Total Disability and Temporary Partial Disability
Temporary total disability is for individuals who are unable to work at all during recovery, and payments are available for up to 104 weeks. Wage replacement is available in cases of temporary partial disability, where you can still work but require reduced capacity.
Permanent Total and Permanent Partial Disability
Permanent total disability is for those who sustain permanent disabilities, leaving them unable to work. The payments are available for life. Those with a permanent partial disability, such as loss of a limb, can receive up to 50 percent of their pay for up to five years.
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Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
After suffering an injury or illness on the job, you must notify your employer immediately, either orally or in writing, and seek care from a medical provider. According to the guidance of the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, your employer must provide you with a WC-14 form within ten days of your report. Their insurance carrier has up to 21 days to investigate and accept or deny the claim, and there is a seven day waiting period for receiving benefits, including for lost pay for the time you are off because of the injuries.
If your boss or the insurance provider denies your claim, you can appeal their decision. Resolution for most disputes between workers and their employers, or between workers and insurance providers, is reached through mediation. If mediation does not resolve the matter, a judge will hear the case and issue a decision. A practiced workers’ compensation lawyer from our team in Valdosta could help you through the process and help to resolve any disagreements.
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Speak to a Skilled Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Valdosta
Most businesses operating in the state are required to offer employees workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer injuries or illnesses while performing their job duties. While these benefits are available, it is relatively common to receive denials or face hurdles that prevent you from reaching the payments you need and deserve.
A skilled Valdosta workers’ compensation lawyer from Fasig | Brooks could walk you through each step of the process and advocate for a fair outcome. Call us today to schedule an informative consultation and review your options.
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