If you were injured at work in Florida, workers' compensation provides medical benefits and wage replacement while you recover. But the process has specific steps, deadlines, and requirements — and mistakes can jeopardize your benefits.

Here is how the Florida workers' comp claim process works.

Report your injury immediately. Florida law requires you to report a workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident or within 30 days of discovering that the injury is work-related.

Do not wait. Delayed reporting gives employers and insurers grounds to dispute your claim.

Report in writing if possible. Keep a copy. Include:

• The date, time, and location of the injury
• How the injury occurred
• The body parts affected
• Any witnesses

After you report the injury, your employer or their workers' comp insurer will direct you to an authorized treating physician. In Florida, you must treat with the authorized physician — not your personal doctor — to have your treatment covered by workers' comp.

Emergency exception: If your injury requires emergency care, go to the nearest emergency room. Notify your employer as soon as possible.

Your employer is required to file a First Report of Injury or Illness with their workers' comp insurer within 7 days of learning about the injury.

If your employer fails to file, you can report the injury directly to the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation.

The workers' comp insurer has 14 days to begin paying benefits or deny the claim. During this period, they investigate:

• Whether the injury occurred at work
• Whether the injury is covered under workers' comp
• The nature and extent of the injury

If the claim is accepted, benefits begin. If denied, you have the right to challenge the denial.

Florida workers' comp provides several types of benefits:

All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury is covered — doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and medical devices.

If you cannot work at all during recovery, TTD pays 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum. Benefits begin after a 7-day waiting period (the first 7 days are paid if you are disabled for more than 21 days).

If you can work in a limited capacity (light duty) but earn less than 80% of your pre-injury wage, TPD pays 80% of the difference between your pre-injury wage and your current earnings.

If you have a permanent impairment after reaching MMI, you may receive PIB based on your impairment rating.

If you are permanently and totally unable to work, PTD provides ongoing benefits.

MMI is the point at which your authorized physician determines your condition has stabilized. At MMI:

• Temporary disability benefits stop
• Permanent impairment is assessed
• Your case may be ready for settlement

Many Florida workers' comp cases are resolved through a lump sum settlement — a one-time payment that closes the claim. Before accepting a settlement, make sure you understand:

• Whether it covers all future medical needs
• Whether it adequately compensates for permanent impairment
• The tax implications

You have the right to consult an attorney before accepting any settlement.

• Failure to report the injury within 30 days
• Dispute about whether the injury is work-related
• Pre-existing condition arguments
• Failure to treat with the authorized physician
• Missed appointments or non-compliance with treatment
• Drug or alcohol use at the time of the injury

Consider hiring an attorney if:

• Your claim is denied
• Your benefits are delayed or terminated
• You are pressured to return to work before you are ready
• Your employer retaliates against you for filing a claim
• Your injury is serious or permanent
• You are approaching a settlement and want to ensure it is fair

Juan Cordero Lawyers handles Workers Compensation Lawyer Florida cases throughout Florida. If you were injured at work, call 305.525.8957 for a free consultation — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve clients in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Martin County, and across South Florida.