How Does Workers’ Compensation Pay For Lost Wages in Florida?

Being injured on the job may result in severe injuries that keep you out of work. Fortunately, most work-related injuries in Florida are covered by workers’ compensation. Therefore, you may be entitled to wage replacement benefits if you are out of work because of an eligible work-related injury or illness.

Wage Replacement Benefits for Workplace Injuries 

Most injured workers may receive weekly cash payments while recovering from an injury sustained on the job. The amount of the wage replacement benefits is set by law. Most workers can receive about 66 2/3 percent of their average weekly wages as benefits.

There are four basic types of wage replacement benefits available for a workers’ compensation claim:

Temporary Total Disability 

If you cannot work because of your injury or illness, you can receive 66 2/3 percent of your average weekly wages while you are recuperating. 

However, there are a few essential things to know about temporary total disability or TTD benefits:

• They are subject to a statewide maximum weekly amount. For injuries occurring in 2021, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,011.
• You must be unable to work for at least eight days before you can begin receiving benefits. 
• You will not receive wage benefits for the first seven days of disability unless you are out of work for more than 21 days.
• Some severe injuries may qualify you to receive 80 percent of regular wages for up to six months after the date of injury.

Temporary total disability benefits are available for a total of 104 weeks.

Temporary Partial Disability 

Temporary partial disability benefits or TPD are paid to workers who may return to work with restrictions. For example, you cannot pick up anything weighing more than 20 pounds, or you must work at a desk job instead of in the field. 

You can earn 80 percent of regular wages as TPD benefits. The same maximum benefits total for TTD benefits applies to TPD benefits. You may also receive temporary partial disability benefits for up to 104 weeks after your accident. 

Permanent Total Disability 

PTD benefits apply when you are unable to work again because of a work-related illness or injury. A physician must find that you are permanently disabled after you reach Maximum Medical Improvement. 

You must also demonstrate that you cannot engage in any type of employment within 50 miles of your home because of your work-related injury or illness. If you are in a large city or have skills that could easily transition to a doctor-recommended job, this requirement can be challenging to meet.

Permanent total disability payments are payable through age 75. You may also receive a small cost of living increase each year until you reach 62.

Impairment Income Benefits (IIB)

You might be entitled to impairment income benefits if your physician indicates your condition is not expected to improve significantly once you reach Maximum Medical Improvement. 

The amount and duration of benefits you receive for IIB are based on your impairment rating and work restrictions. IIB also has maximum benefit amounts. 

How Can You Receive Compensation Pay for Lost Wages After a Work Accident?

It is crucial that you take the correct steps after a work accident or injury to receive your wage replacement benefits. 

Steps to take after a work injury or accident include:

• Notify your employer immediately. Under Florida law, you have 30 days to notify your employer of a workplace injury. In an emergency, you may seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. 
• See a doctor as soon as you discover a work-related illness or injury. You need to mitigate damages by seeking prompt medical care. Also, you need a doctor’s written report to receive your workers’ compensation benefits.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. If your doctor gives you restrictions, follow those restrictions at home and work. Do not do anything that the workers’ comp insurance provider could use to deny your claim. 
• Be sure to tell the medical provider that you were injured on the job and how you were injured. B providing details about the accident and your injury, the doctor can create a thorough report to avoid problems that delay your benefits. 
• Your employer must file a notice of your claim with the workers’ compensation insurance provider within seven days after being notified of an accident. You should receive additional information about your claim and benefits within a week after the claim is filed.