Federal and state laws mandate certain employers to carry workers’ compensation. This type of insurance covers the medical expenses, lost wages and allows other benefits to employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness in the course of their employment. So, which types of workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale that an injured worker entitled to?
Under Florida law, such benefits are to be awarded even if the employee was at-fault for the accident. Depending on the injury, an employee may be eligible for various benefits. In most cases, employees will receive medical benefits to cover their medical expenses. Employees who take time off work due to a work-related injury or illness may also receive income benefits to cover part of their lost wages.
If you have been injured while on the clock, you may be in line to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale. Call the office of Work Injury Rights today at 954-388-8616 to speak to a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer and find out the benefits you may be eligible for.
What are the Florida Workers’ Compensation Income Limits?
Normally, the employer’s workers’ comp insurance company will pay for the employee’s medical expenses for a stipulated period. In Florida, there’s no time limit or expiration of medical benefits, as long as you need medical care due to the workplace accident. However, you have to receive “authorized” medical treatment at least once every 12 months.
Income benefits are also capped under Florida law, and workers can only receive up to a certain maximum for a specified period. Temporary total disability benefits are capped at $1,011 per week and can’t be awarded for more than 260 weeks from the injury date.
Employees who are eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits will receive these benefits for a specific period. The limit on these benefits will depend on the damage done to a specific body part (the impairment rating established).
If you suffer a permanent disability, you may continue to receive weekly permanent total disability benefits until you’re 75 years old, but you may continue receiving these benefits if you’re not eligible for Social Security Benefits.
If you need help figuring out your income limits in regards to your workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale, call Work Injury Rights today.
What are the Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Fort Lauderdale?
Medical benefits and income benefits are the most common workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale awarded in workers’ comp cases. However, a workers’ family may be entitled to funeral and death benefits in the case of a fatal injury.
Below are the types of income benefits awarded to workers who suffer a work-related injury or illness:
Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)
These benefits are awarded if you suffer a work-related injury or illness and are out of work for at least 21 days, and continue until you reach maximum medical improvement.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD)
If you suffer a work-related injury or illness but can perform some type of work, then you may be in line to receive temporary partial disability benefits. In most cases, the treating physician will approve a light-duty job and you’ll most likely earn 80% your pre-injury income or less.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD)
After reaching maximum medical improvement, your treating physician will evaluate your condition to determine if you’ve suffered an impairment. If you’ve suffered a permanent impairment but can continue working or secure another employment, then you will be awarded permanent partial disability benefits. Your doctor will assign you a disability rating which will be used to calculate your benefits.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD)
Florida employees who suffer permanent and total disability following a work-related injury may receive permanent total disability benefits under workers’ compensation. These benefits are mostly awarded to workers who suffer catastrophic injuries like severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and paralysis, which prevent them from returning to work or securing any kind of gainful employment.
How are Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Fort Lauderdale Calculated?
Each state has its own set of workers’ compensation laws, including time limits and income limits. Here’s how income benefits are calculated in Florida under workers’ comp:
Temporary total disability benefits are equal to two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage, but you may receive 80% (four-fifths) of your pre-injury income for 6 months if your injury is more severe. If your weekly wage before your injury was $300, then your temporary total disability benefits will be $200.
Employees who are able to return to work but earn less than their pre-injury wage are awarded temporary partial disability benefits. These benefits are calculated at 80% of the difference between 80% of your pre-injury average weekly income and your present income. For instance, if you were earning $1,000 and now earn $600, you will receive 80% of (80% of $1,000 minus $600), which is $160.
Whenever you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) but are adjudged to have suffered a permanent disability by your treating physician, then you’re in line to receive permanent partial disability benefits. These benefits are awarded as compensation for the damage to a particular body part.
To calculate permanent partial disability benefits, the treating physician decides a permanent impairment rating (PIR). The amount of PPD benefits will not be more than 75% of the State maximum, and the number of weeks these benefits will be paid depends on the impairment rating.
In Florida, employees who suffer a compensable work injury while on the job will receive the following workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale:
- 2 weeks for each impairment percentage point from 1-10% (including 10%)
- 3 weeks for each impairment percentage point from 11-15%
- 4 weeks for each impairment percentage point from 16-20%
- 6 weeks for each impairment percentage point from 21% and above.
Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Fort Lauderdale Taxed?
Under Florida law, workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale are not considered income and therefore aren’t taxable at the federal or state levels.
Our Trusted Lawyers Can Get You the Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Fort Lauderdale that You Deserve
Depending on the work-related injury suffered, an employee may receive various benefits. If you have been injured on the job and aren’t sure what, if any, workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale you may receive, it is important that you speak to an attorney.
Call the office of Work Injury Rights today at 954-388-8616 to speak to one of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers to find out the workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale you may receive, and how to calculate them.
