If you have suffered a work-related injury, you may wonder how long you can receive workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial assistance to employees who are injured on the job.
However, the time you can receive benefits depends on several factors. Here, you can learn the factors determining how long you can be on workers’ compensation. You will also find guidance from a work injury lawyer.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Your employer or their insurance company typically pays workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to help you cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages that result from a work-related injury.
Workers’ compensation benefits are usually paid until you can return to work. However, there are some situations where benefits may continue for a longer period of time.
Factors That Determine How Long You Can Be on Workers’ Compensation
Several factors can impact how long you can be on workers’ compensation.
These include:
- The severity of your injury: If you have suffered a serious injury, you may be unable to return to work for an extended period of time. In these cases, workers’ compensation benefits may continue for as long as you cannot work. However, if your injury is less severe, you may be able to return to work sooner, and your benefits may end.
- Your ability to work: To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must be unable to work due to your injury. If you can return to work, even in a different capacity, your benefits may end.
- The laws in your state: Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state. Some states limit how long you can receive benefits, while others do not. It is important to consult with a work injury lawyer in your state to understand the specific laws that apply to your case.
- Your employer’s policy: Your employer may have a policy that limits how long you can receive workers’ compensation benefits. Reviewing your employer’s policy to understand the maximum length of time you can receive benefits is important.
- Your medical treatment: If you require ongoing medical treatment for your injury, your workers’ compensation benefits may continue until your treatment is complete. However, if your treatment is complete and you can still not work, your benefits may end.
Florida Laws for Workers’ Compensation Duration
Florida Workers’ Compensation laws provide for temporary wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries.
The duration of benefits in Florida depends on the nature and extent of the injuries. In most cases, injured workers can receive benefits until they reach maximum medical improvement, when their condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve further with additional medical treatment.
In Florida, workers’ compensation benefits may be extended in the following situations:
- The injured worker is still receiving medical treatment for their injury.
- The injured worker is unable to return to work due to their injury.
- The injured worker has reached maximum medical improvement but cannot return to work.
- The injured worker has suffered a catastrophic injury that has resulted in permanent impairment or disability.
- The injured worker is a first responder who suffered a mental or emotional injury due to their job duties.
It is important to note that these situations are evaluated case by case, and not all injured workers will be eligible for extended benefits. Consulting with a work injury lawyer can help injured workers understand their rights and options under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws.
When Can Workers’ Compensation Benefits End?
There are several situations where workers’ compensation benefits may end, including:
- You return to work: If you can return to work, even in a different capacity, your workers’ compensation benefits may end. However, if you return to work and cannot earn the same wages as before your injury, you may still be entitled to partial benefits.
- Your medical treatment is complete: If your medical treatment is complete and you can return to work, your workers’ compensation benefits may end. However, if you still require ongoing medical treatment, your benefits may continue until your treatment is complete.
- You reach maximum medical improvement: Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is when your medical condition is stable and will not improve with further treatment. Once you reach MMI, your workers’ compensation benefits may end.
- You are released to work by your doctor: If your doctor releases you, your workers’ compensation benefits may end. However, if you are released to work with restrictions or limitations, you may still be entitled to partial benefits.
- You settle your workers’ compensation claim: If you settle your workers’ compensation claim, your benefits will end. It is important to consult with a work injury lawyer before settling your claim to ensure that you are receiving a fair settlement that covers all of your expenses related to your injury.
What to Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits End
If your workers’ compensation benefits end and you are still unable to work, you may be able to apply for other forms of assistance, such as Social Security Disability benefits. A work injury lawyer can help you explore your options and determine the best action.
It is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide temporary assistance while you recover from a work-related injury. If you cannot return to work, you may be entitled to other forms of assistance, such as Social Security Disability benefits or long-term disability benefits.
Consulting with a Work Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured on the job, consulting with a work injury lawyer is important to ensure that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to. A work injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system and ensure that your rights are protected.
In addition to helping you understand how long you can receive workers’ compensation benefits, a work injury lawyer can also help you:
- File a workers’ compensation claim
- Appeal a denial of benefits
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Explore other forms of assistance, such as Social Security Disability benefits
Let a Work Injury Lawyer Help with Your Compensation Claim
If you have suffered a work-related injury, it is important to understand your rights and the benefits you are entitled to.
The length of time you can receive workers’ compensation benefits depends on various factors, including the severity of your injury, your ability to work, and the laws in your state. Consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system and ensure that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.
If you need assistance filing a workers’ compensation claim or appealing a denied claim, contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation. We will help you secure the benefits you are entitled to.