Being hurt in a workplace accident in Florida can leave you struggling physically and financially. After being hurt, you may wonder, “How long can you be on workers’ comp in Florida?”
This question is not always straightforward, as several factors may influence the duration of your benefits. Our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer is here to explain.
Understanding Temporary vs. Permanent Disability Benefits
Temporary Disability Benefits in Florida
Temporary Disability Benefits in Florida provide crucial financial support to workers who are temporarily unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. These benefits aim to help individuals during their recovery period, ensuring they can meet their basic needs without the stress of lost wages.
To be eligible for Temporary Disability Benefits in Florida, you must have a qualifying medical condition that prevents you from performing your job duties. Additionally, an authorized healthcare provider must certify your injury or illness. This certification is essential to initiate applying for temporary disability benefits.
The application process for Temporary Disability Benefits involves submitting the necessary documentation and medical records to support your claim. Ensuring all paperwork is accurate and complete is vital to avoid delays in receiving benefits. Working with a knowledgeable West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer can also help navigate the complex application process and maximize your chances of approval.
Permanent Disability Benefits in Florida
Permanent Disability Benefits in Florida provide crucial support for individuals who have sustained long-term or permanent injuries that impact their ability to work. Unlike temporary disability benefits, designed for short-term recovery periods, permanent disability benefits aim to assist individuals facing ongoing challenges.
To be eligible for permanent disability benefits in Florida, an individual must have a qualifying injury or condition that medical professionals have deemed permanent. The severity and impact of the injury on one’s ability to work will determine the compensation received.
The application process for permanent disability benefits can be time-consuming and challenging. It often requires detailed medical documentation and evidence of the inability to work. To ensure you have the best chance of getting the benefits you need, seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals, such as West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers, is essential. Understanding how long you can receive benefits after being injured is vital.
Differences Between Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits
The eligibility requirements for each type of benefit vary.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary benefits are contingent on the individual’s ability to return to work within a specific timeframe, while permanent disability benefits require medical evidence supporting the permanency and severity of the impairment. Some of the types of disability that can be received include the following.
- Types of Temporary Disability Benefits:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): This benefit applies when the injured worker is temporarily unable to work. The compensation is usually a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): TPD benefits come into play when the worker can still perform some job duties but not all, resulting in a reduced income. The benefit is calculated based on the difference between the pre-injury and post-injury wages.
- Duration of Temporary Disability Benefits:
- Temporary disability benefits typically cease when the worker has sufficiently recovered and can return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning their condition is not expected to improve significantly with further treatment.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Permanent disability benefits, on the other hand, are intended for workers who have sustained permanent impairments or disabilities due to a work-related injury or illness. These benefits are provided when the worker’s condition has stabilized and reached MMI, but they continue to experience lasting effects that impair their ability to work.
- Types of Permanent Disability Benefits:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): PPD benefits are awarded when the worker incurs an injury but can still perform some type of work. The compensation is based on the severity of the impairment and its impact on the worker’s earning capacity.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): PTD benefits are granted when the worker’s injury or illness prevents them from performing any gainful employment indefinitely. These benefits typically provide ongoing financial support for the duration of the disability.
How Long Can You Be on Workers’ Comp in Florida?
In Florida, the duration of workers’ compensation benefits depends on various factors. In most cases, the severity of the injury and the course of recovery will determine how long you receive benefits. Workers’ compensation typically covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for employees injured on the job. For this reason, entitlement is primarily based on how long you will have to undergo medical care and recover.
Florida law stipulates that temporary disability benefits can last 104 weeks, but this can be extended if the injured worker’s condition persists. Permanent disability benefits may be available if the injury results in permanent impairment. However, these benefits are subject to assessment by medical professionals and legal processes to determine eligibility and extent.
Overall, the duration of workers’ compensation benefits in Florida varies case by case, ensuring that injured workers receive adequate support throughout their recovery journey. A West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer can help you receive the benefits you deserve so you can focus on recovering without worry.
Call Our West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Now
At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., we are passionate about helping injured workers obtain their deserved benefits. From navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation law to understanding their rights and legal options, we strive to empower our clients during this challenging time.
Our commitment to helping injured workers in Florida has taught us the importance of educating individuals about temporary and permanent disability benefits and other aspects of workers’ compensation. We will help you understand how long can you be on workers’ comp in Florida and what may impact your case. Contact our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer today for a consultation, and let our law firm help you through your workers’ compensation claim process.