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Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their work environment is reasonably safe. If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to help during your recovery. Workers’ compensation benefits depend on how severe the injury was. There are three types of benefits available in addition to medical care coverage. These are:
The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation offers a benefits calculator for each type, so workers can have a general idea of what benefits they can receive. However, it’s important to remember that this is only an estimate and not a guarantee of benefits. Because each case is unique, varying factors will impact the type and amount of benefits that you are eligible for.
An experienced workers compensation attorney will be better equipped to determine the maximum benefits you might qualify for. Contact us today to request a case consultation.
Temporary partial disability is when an employee is injured, but not so bad that they can’t resume at least some duties. An example of this might be breaking an ankle. Parts of the employee’s job may not be reasonable for them to perform while healing, but they may still be able to work part-time on other aspects of their job.
Temporary wage benefits cover two-thirds of lost wages which is factored by finding the difference between what is being earned part-time and the amount that was being earned on average before the injury occurred. Benefits can be received for up to 104 weeks, after which time, the claim may be reclassified.
Temporary total disability is when an employee receives an injury that completely disables them, but they are expected to make a full recovery and eventually return to work. Employees who qualify for these benefits will typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wages as long as this does not exceed the state maximum. In rare cases, a worker may qualify for a higher rate if their injuries were severe.
Benefits can be received for up to 104 weeks and may be reclassified if the examining doctor believes the patient has reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). MMI is when you have recovered from your injury as much as possible. This does not necessarily mean that you have fully recovered to pre-injury health.
Once you’ve reached MMI, a doctor will assign you a percentage, known as an impairment rating, based on your injuries and the amount that you’ve recovered. Your claim will use your impairment rating to determine the length of time you receive benefits and will be paid out at 75% of your TTD benefits.
For example, if you were making $900 per week on average before your injury and were receiving $600 for your TTD benefits, 75% would be $450. If your impairment rating is 4%, you will receive two weeks of benefits for each percent, totaling eight weeks.
In addition to payments for wage loss, injured employees may receive the following compensation:
If your benefits have been denied or undervalued, it’s time to seek the help of a workers’ comp lawyer. We can review your case to help ensure that you are receiving fair valuation. Your benefits may have been denied due to an inaccurate diagnosis by the insurance doctor or an incorrect calculation of your wages. Our star Gainesville attorney, Ken Hesser, has decades of industry experience and can help you fight for what you’re owed. Contact us today for a case consultation.
