Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Port St. Lucie

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness in Port St. Lucie, Florida, understanding your rights to workers’ compensation benefits is crucial. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial assistance and medical care to injured employees, helping them recover and return to work.

A Port St. Lucie workers’ compensation lawyer from Work Injury Rights can assist you in navigating the workers’ compensation process and securing the benefits you deserve.

Contact us today online or by calling 954-388-8616 for a free consultation.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Port St. Lucie, FL

Florida’s workers’ compensation program provides a range of benefits to employees who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits are intended to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the injury or illness.

Medical Benefits

Injured workers are entitled to medical treatment that is necessary and related to the work injury or occupational disease. This includes doctor visits, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any other medical care required for recovery.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)

If an employee is temporarily unable to work due to their injury or illness, they may be eligible for TTD benefits. These benefits provide a portion of the worker’s average weekly wage until they can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD)

When an injured worker can return to work but at a reduced capacity or for fewer hours, they may be eligible for TPD benefits. These benefits help compensate for the difference in earnings between the pre-injury job and the post-injury job.

You cannot receive TPD benefits if you’re earning 80% or more of your regular income while on light duty.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD)

Once a worker reaches MMI and is still experiencing a permanent impairment, they may qualify for permanent partial disability. PPD benefits are also called impairment income benefits. The amount of these benefits is determined by the impairment rating assigned by the treating physician.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD)

If an injured worker is permanently and totally disabled, they may be eligible for PTD benefits. These benefits provide long-term financial support, as the worker is unable to return to any form of gainful employment.

Death Benefits

In tragic cases where a worker dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits. These benefits can help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to the worker’s family.

Families may receive up to $150,000 in death benefits. This may include funeral expenses up to $7,500, compensation to dependents, and educational benefits for the spouse.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Coverage for Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are a fundamental component of Florida workers’ compensation coverage. When an employee is injured on the job or contracts a work-related illness, workers’ compensation insurance should pay for all necessary medical costs associated with the injury or illness. This can include:

  • Doctor Visits: Regular check-ups with a medical professional to monitor the progress of recovery.
  • Hospitalization: In cases of severe injuries or illnesses, hospitalization may be required.
  • Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services to help restore physical capabilities.
  • Prescription Medications: Drugs prescribed to manage pain or aid in recovery.
  • Surgical Procedures: Operations necessary to treat the injury or illness.
  • Specialist Care: Consultations with medical specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons or neurologists, when required.

If you’re hurt on the job, you must seek treatment from a doctor approved by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. If you don’t see an approved doctor, the workers’ comp insurance company could refuse to pay for your medical bills.

Additionally, workers have the right to request a one-time change of physician during their treatment.

The first step in getting workers comp benefits is to report your work injury. A lawyer can help you get the money you deserve for medical treatment and lost wages.

How Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Calculated

Here’s a breakdown of Florida workers comp benefits for lost wages.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

TTD benefits are typically calculated as two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage (AWW) before the injury, subject to a maximum weekly amount set by the state. These benefits stop when the worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) or can return to work.

You can receive up to a total of 104 weeks of temporary disability benefits.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

TPD benefits pay 80% of the difference between pre-injury earnings and post-injury earnings, subject to the state’s maximum benefit limits. You must be earning less than 80% of your normal wages to qualify.

You can receive TTD benefits, TPD benefits, or a combination for up to 104 weeks.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

PPD benefits are based on an impairment rating, which reflects the percentage of loss of function or ability due to a work injury or occupational disease. The rating is used to calculate how long PPD benefits last using a formula outlined in Florida law.

The amount of weekly benefits is 75% of your temporary total disability rate, but this is cut in half if you’re earning at least as much as before your injury.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

Permanent total disability benefits are calculated similarly to TTD benefits, at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage. However, these benefits can last until you turn 75 or for life if you don’t qualify for Social Security Benefits.

It’s essential to work with a skilled workers’ comp lawyer in Port St. Lucie, Florida to ensure that your workers’ compensation benefits are calculated accurately and fairly.

Vocational Rehabilitation

For injured workers who are unable to return to their previous jobs due to a work-related injury or illness, Florida’s workers’ compensation program offers vocational rehabilitation services. These services are designed to help injured employees develop new skills and find alternative employment. Vocational rehabilitation can include:

  • Job Retraining: Providing education and training in a new field that accommodates the worker’s physical limitations.
  • Job Placement Assistance: Helping the worker find suitable employment opportunities.
  • Career Counseling: Offering guidance on career options and the job market.

The goal is to enable injured workers to re-enter the workforce in a role that matches their abilities and interests. Workers can request reemployment services through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Injured Employee Visiting Lawyer About Florida Workers Compensation Benefits

How a Port St. Lucie Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be challenging, especially when dealing with a complex claim or disputing a denial of benefits. A Port St. Lucie workers’ compensation lawyer from Work Injury Rights can provide invaluable assistance by:

  • Filing Workers Comp Claims: Ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time.
  • Appealing Denials: Challenging denied claims and handling disputes with the workers’ compensation insurance company.
  • Maximizing Benefits: Working to secure the maximum workers’ comp benefits for your medical treatment and lost wages.
  • Legal Representation: Providing skilled representation in hearings and negotiations with insurance carriers.

Whether you are dealing with a straightforward workplace injury or a more complicated case involving permanent disability benefits, the experienced Port St. Lucie workers’ compensation attorneys at Work Injury Rights are here to help.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in securing the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.

Why Choose Work Injury Rights for Your Workers’ Comp Claim?

At Work Injury Rights, we specialize in workers’ compensation claims, providing top-notch legal services in Port St. Lucie. Our team of attorneys brings deep expertise and a strategic approach to every case. With a focus on securing the maximum benefits for our clients, we handle various work injuries with precision and dedication.

  • Experience: Our lawyers have a combined 45 years of experience in Florida workers’ compensation law.
  • Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics: Having represented insurance carriers in the past, our attorneys possess insider knowledge that gives us a unique advantage.
  • Results: Our results speak for themselves, with numerous high-value settlements for work-related injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and equipment failures.
  • Bilingual Staff: Our bilingual staff is fluent in both English and Spanish.
  • No Fees Unless We Win: You only pay our workers’ comp attorneys once we win your case.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

Understanding your rights to workers’ compensation benefits in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is essential for ensuring that you receive the financial support and medical care you need after a work-related injury or illness. Our dedicated Florida workers’ compensation lawyers at Work Injury Rights can help you navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and secure the benefits you deserve.

Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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