Florida Workers’ Comp Basics

OVERVIEW

Workers’ compensation insurance benefits are available to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of a work-related incident. If one of your employees is injured on the job and is medically authorized to take time off from work, he or she will be reimbursed for lost wages and all of the medical expenses related to the treatment and rehabilitation.

What are the reporting procedures for injury and illness?

If employees are injured, they should notify you immediately to file a report. This will initiate the process for receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

How are employees reimbursed?

Lost compensation is payable during the time period in which employees are authorized by their treating physicians. Benefits are paid weekly at a state-specific percentage rate of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum dollar amount. There is also a state-specified waiting period before benefits are available.

What is an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?

An IME is an exam by a medical professional other than the physician who first examined an injured or ill employee. As the employer—and insurance carriers—you can request an IME to confirm an original diagnosis and treatment plan.

Tips for controlling Workers’ Comp costs

An IME is an exam by a medical professional other than the physician who first examined an injured or ill employee. As the employer—and insurance carriers—you can request an IME to confirm an original diagnosis and treatment plan.