Florida Workers Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a state-run insurance program for workers. Florida Workers compensation is an insurance coverage program that is bought by employers or businesses in the state of Florida which provides benefits to workers who are injured or taken ill while at work.

This program provides compensation to workers regardless of who was to blame for the injury or illness. Employers also receive a benefit from this program – they are protected from most injury lawsuits by workers. A workers is not allowed to claim workers’ compensation and sue his or her employer for the injury or illness sustained at work.

Employers – with a few exceptions – are by law required to buy workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. They also cannot ask their employees to contribute to the payment.

Division of Florida Workers Compensation

The Division of Workers’ Compensation within the Department of Financial Services takes care of the workers’ compensation program in the state of Florida. The Division helps injured or ill workers, employers, insurance companies and health care providers to understand and comply with the rules and regulations related to workers’ compensation in Florida. The Division itself does not adjust claims, but ensures that the claims are being reimbursed and adjusted fairly in accordance with Florida state laws.

Coverage

According to Florida Law, the following types of injuries are covered under workers’ compensation:

• All accidental injuries and diseases caused by the work done.

• Death resulting from injuries or diseases caused by the work done; but this coverage is for a specified period of time

Here is the list of illnesses or injuries that are not covered by workers’ compensation in Florida:

• Mental injury caused by stress, fear or excitement

• A psychological condition caused by work which may cause the worker to fear or dislike another individual based on his/her race, color, gender, religion, age, handicap or even national origin

• “Pain and Suffering” will not be compensated for in the state of Florida.

• If the worker’s injury is caused while trying to hurt him/herself or others

• If the injury was caused due to drug or alcohol intoxication

• If the worker is covered by the Federal Employer’s Liability Act, the Jones Act or even the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

In case a worker’s compensation has been disputed or denied, then the worker has the right to an attorney.