Workers Compensation Insurance Florida

 Workers Compensation Insurance Florida

 With the number of workers injured at work increasing each year, employers have become increasingly concerned about their worker's compensation coverage. Many businesses, especially those with employees who spend time working outside of the building, want to ensure that they have proper coverage for any injuries that may occur while on the job site.

 In order to provide adequate protection for both employee and employer in the event of injury, state laws require employers to purchase certain types of insurance coverage. These coverages include medical payments, income replacement benefits and disability benefits. Each of these policies will pay different amounts depending upon whether an employee or third-party caused the accident. A claim administrator takes care of the details, and should not be confused with worker's compensation insurance.

 2. Medical Payments Coverage -This type of coverage covers hospitalization costs incurred by an employee as a result of workplace accidents. In addition, this insurance policy pays for out-of-pocket expenses associated with physician visits, prescriptions and diagnostic tests. This type of coverage is often referred to as medical payment insurance.

 3. Income Replacement Benefits -If an employee suffers a permanent injury, this type of coverage will replace lost wages resulting from the injury. If he or she cannot return to his or her previous position, then they would receive money based on what a similar position would pay. For example, if an employee was previously earning $40,000 per year, but now makes only $30,000 due to a work-related injury, then his or her income replacement benefits could equal $10,000.

 4. Disability Benefits -Disability benefits are intended to help partially disabled employees get back to their previous jobs. If an employee is unable to perform his or her regular duties, then he or she will receive temporary payments to assist him or her until he returns to work. Once employed again, he or she is entitled to receive benefits in accordance with his or her current salary.

 5. Third Party Liability Coverage -This type of insurance coverage compensates an employer if someone else causes harm to its employees, for example, if a construction company hires a subcontractor without having first obtained third-party liability insurance.

 6. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Bodily Injury Coverage - PIP or bodily injury coverage provides coverage if a person suffers bodily injury or property damage as a result of an accident involving the operation of a vehicle owned, rented or leased by the business.

 Workers Comp is simply put a policy that pays for medical expenses if you suffer due to injuries on the job. These may include broken bones, amputations, torn ligaments, and dislocations just to name a few. You would have to prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of the employer before workers comp will pay out. There are many factors that need to be established by the worker including their injury being work related and not something that happened outside of work. If any of these requirements are met then you should qualify for workers comp. There are many companies that offer this type of coverage.

 

7. Florida Worker's Compensation Law

 In Florida, workers comp only applies to employees who are working at the time they are injured. So if someone falls off a ladder while doing home maintenance they do not receive workers' compensation since they were not employed at the time. Most states require employers to carry worker's comp insurance in order to protect themselves from lawsuits by their employees. Employers are also required to provide employee's access to safety equipment and training about workplace hazards. 

 8. Types of Workers Compensation

 There are two main types of workers compensation policies available today. Each offers different levels of protection and costs accordingly. One is called third party liability and the other is called fault-based liability. In both cases the goal is to cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages should an employee become injured on the job. Third party liability is when the employer is responsible for paying the claims regardless of whether or not the worker was negligent. Fault based liability is where the employer must prove that the worker was negligent or had some type of fault.

 9. Workers Comp Benefits

 The first benefit provided to workers who are injured on the job is medical care. All workers compensation policies provide medical coverage for accidents that occur at the worksite. This coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Some policies even offer lifetime disability coverage for those who cannot return to work after an accident. Another benefit provided to employees who are injured on the jobsite is temporary total disability (TTD). TTD provides a means of income for an otherwise disabled worker until he is able to return to his previous position. Aftercare and rehabilitation is also covered under TTD plans.

10. Florida Worker's Compensation Laws

 Florida does make it difficult for certain groups of people to get workers comp. Certain occupations are excluded from receiving this type of coverage. These include construction workers, farm laborers, fishermen, independent contractors, and anyone who owns a business that doesn't employ at least three full time employees. Also, if a worker receives a settlement or judgment from a lawsuit against an employer, then they no longer qualify for workers comp. Additionally, if an injured worker has received Social Security Disability payments they are ineligible for workers comp.

11. Workers Comp Exemptions

 A number of exemptions are listed in the laws that allow certain individuals to avoid having to participate in workers comp. These include law enforcement officers and firefighters, members of the military, school teachers, prison guards, professional athletes, and volunteers who are assisting police or fire departments. Also, if a person is covered for employment related illnesses or accidents through their spouse's insurance then they cannot collect workers comp.

12. Florida Workers Comp Claims Process

 If an injured worker decides to take legal action against their employer then they will have to go through a lengthy and expensive claims process. First, the worker files a claim with the Department of Labor. This is processed by a claims adjuster and the company is given 30 days to respond to the claim. If the employer denies the claim then arbitration begins, which could last several months. If the matter proceeds to court then both parties are represented by attorneys. This could lead to years of litigation and thousands of dollars spent.