Workplace injuries in Florida are not uncommon. You likely have several questions if you are injured while on the job.
For many, one is if your workers’ compensation benefits cover your transportation costs.
While the benefits may cover your medical bills and lost wages, the cost of an injury can extend beyond these immediate consequences.
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may have multiple medical appointments each week, which means transportation-related costs. This can increase the financial burden you are already dealing with being unable to work.
Determining your specific rights based on Florida’s workers’ compensation laws can be challenging alone. If you have questions like this and want answers, our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can help. You can contact our office and learn more about benefits and transportation costs here.
Workers’ Compensation and Transportation Reimbursement
Florida workers’ compensation provides benefits beyond medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs after an on-the-job injury.
To answer the question above, “Yes, it does extend to include reimbursement for some transportation-related costs.”
The Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Workers’ Compensation states that worker’s comp benefits may cover travel expenses to and from authorized medical treatment and pharmacy. The costs that may be included are:
- Public transportation fares
- Tolls
- Mileage
- Gas
- Parking fees
This means that no matter if you use a rideshare service or catch a bus to get to your medical appointments, you can have the costs reimbursed.
While true, there is a limit. Currently, the limit is .445 cents per mile. You can submit your mileage reimbursements as your treatment is given, periodically, or when your treatment is complete.
How Your Transportation Choice Impacts Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
What you choose for transportation significantly impacts your workers’ compensation claim. While Florida allows reimbursement for transportation costs to and from your related medical appointments, you must consider how cost-effective this is.
For example, if you choose a more expensive taxi when you could take public transportation (which is usually much cheaper), you may limit the reimbursement you receive.
You can also receive reimbursement for rideshare services; however, the costs must remain in the state cap. Make sure you carefully consider what transportation you choose.
The Impact of Employer-Provided Transportation
Sometimes, your employer may provide transportation services for your medical treatment and appointments. In these situations, workers’ compensation does not cover transportation expenses. This is because the service your employer provides is considered sufficient.
Using employer-provided transportation is smart. This means you don’t have to pay out of pocket or arrange travel. Be sure to ask if this is offered if you are injured on the job.
Receiving Transportation Reimbursements
Usually, the process to claim transportation expenses from your workers’ compensation benefits will begin when you start to incur costs. You need to file for reimbursement promptly to ensure you get your compensation promptly.
It is also smart to keep records and documentation of your travel, receipts, dates, times, and how far you traveled. This is required to prove the claims you submit.
There are situations where injured workers encounter challenges during the process. If this happens to you, we are here to help. Consult with our experienced Florida workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure you can get the reimbursement you deserve.
Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
After a work injury, you may want to handle the process to receive benefits alone. While it is possible to do this, there are some challenges you may encounter. For example, your reimbursement request for transportation costs may be denied.
Hiring an attorney means you have someone to advocate and protect your rights. They can explain the law and how it applies to your case. They can also use the law to help you get the compensation and benefits you deserve – including reimbursement for transportation costs.
Your attorney will also ensure you comply with all legalities involved in the process. Examples include providing your documentation is correct and ensuring your claim forms are filed promptly. They can help you through the entire process if you must appeal a decision.
Understanding Your Rights to Transportation Reimbursement
If you file a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, you may be entitled to reimbursement of your transportation costs. However, this is not always the case. If you want to know your rights and legal options, hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.
While a work injury may present several challenges, an experienced attorney can help you with each step of the process.