Do you have questions about your workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury in Port St. Lucie, FL? Our team at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group is here to help when you call (772) 677-0373. You can also contact us online.
An experienced Port St. Lucie workers’ compensation lawyer can work to ensure you’re receiving the maximum benefits possible for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
If you were injured on the job, call our law offices to schedule a free consultation today.
Why Should I Trust Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group To Handle a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Port St. Lucie?
At face value, workers’ compensation laws seem simple. In reality, workers’ compensation claims can quickly become complicated. At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, our personal injury attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience representing injury victims and their families.
Since we opened our doors, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. We have also been recognized with:
- Over 130 five-star Google ratings
- A Super Lawyers designation
- A spot on the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates’ Forum
- A National Trial Lawyers “Top 100” rating
Our Port St. Lucie personal injury attorneys knows how to stop the insurance scare tactics. Once you hire us, we’ll handle all communications and paperwork. That way, you can focus solely on your recovery.
Ready to learn more? Call our Port St. Lucie, FL, office today for a free, no-obligation case review.
How Common Are Workplace Accidents in Florida?
Workplace accidents are extremely common. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. employers reported roughly 2.6 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses during 2023. In Florida alone, 306 fatal workplace accidents were reported that year.
We Handle All Types of Workplace Accident Claims in Port St. Lucie
You may deserve workers’ compensation benefits regardless of the nature of your workplace. You don’t have to work in a dangerous industry to suffer work-related injuries.
Our attorneys represent clients who have been injured in work-related accidents, including:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Car accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Falls from ladders and heights
- Agricultural accidents
- Truck accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Welding accidents
- Manufacturing accidents
- Accidents involving heavy machinery
- Fishing accidents
- Landscaping accidents
- Fires and explosions
- Accidents in restaurants and bars
It’s always a good idea to have a lawyer review our case. You may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation outside of the workers’ compensation system.
Overview of Florida Laws on Workers’ Compensation Benefits
In Florida, most employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. Your employer must carry workers’ compensation if:
- They have at least four employees
- They are a construction industry employer with even one employee
Workers’ compensation was created to provide fast financial assistance when an employee is injured or falls ill because of something at work. In exchange for providing insurance, your employer is protected from lawsuits.
However, you typically can’t sue your employer for damages even if they were responsible for your injuries or illness if you file a workers’ compensation claim.
How Do I Prove I Deserve Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida?
Your right to workers’ compensation doesn’t depend on proving liability. Instead, you qualify for benefits if:
- You were classified as a common law employee of a Florida employer (rather than as an independent contractor)
- Your employer was required to carry workers’ comp
- You were injured or developed an illness in the course of your employment
If you suffered a disability or medical condition because of something work-related, it’s very likely that you’re entitled to workers’ comp benefits. That said, proving the nature of your ability and the amount you should receive can be challenging without a lawyer’s help.
Do Options Exist for Seeking Compensation Under Florida Personal Injury Laws?
It depends on who was responsible for your injuries. While your employer is shielded from lawsuits, others aren’t protected. Assuming someone other than your employer or a co-worker caused your disability, you can file a lawsuit against that third party for damages.
This can be beneficial. Personal injury laws allow victims to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Workers’ compensation claims cover only a portion of your economic losses.
What Is My Port St. Lucie Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
Disability benefits will cover roughly 66 ⅔ % of your wages prior to the injury or diagnosis. Certain severe injuries cover 80% of your lost wages for up to six months.
That said, variables that will impact your case value include:
- Your average weekly wages prior to disability
- The length of your recovery
- Whether you can perform restricted duties and earn partial income during recovery
- Whether your injuries are temporary or permanent
- The type of injuries you have suffered
The maximum amount that you can receive each week is capped by state law (at $1,295 for 2025).
What Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Florida?
Three primary categories of workers’ compensation benefits exist: medical benefits, income replacement benefits, and death benefits.
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits reimburse you for your medical expenses, including:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospitalization
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Attendant care
- Prostheses
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments
Your medical costs should be covered regardless of whether your injury impacts your ability to work. That said, you must see a doctor who’s approved by your employer and their insurance company. Otherwise, you can jeopardize your right to covered medical care.
Income Replacement Benefits
Types of disability benefits that are available include:
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if you cannot work during recovery
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits if you can perform limited duties, but your earnings are reduced
- Impairment income benefits (IIB) if you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) and your earnings remain impaired
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits if your injuries prevent you from working again
TTD benefits become available if you are unable to work for at least seven days. After 21 days of lost income, you’ll be paid for days one through seven. TTD and PTD benefits last up to 104 weeks. After that time, you’ll likely be evaluated to determine whether you qualify for IIB or PTD benefits.
Death Benefits
Death benefits are available if the injured employee dies within one year of a work-related injury or within five years of continuous disability.
Death benefits provide
- Up to $7,500 in funeral expenses
- Wage replacement benefits for surviving dependents
- Educational benefits to a surviving spouse
Workers’ compensation death benefits are capped at $150,000.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Florida?
Like most injury law firms, Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group works on contingency. When you hire us, you will agree to pay a fixed portion of your final compensation award. With this type of arrangement, there aren’t any upfront costs.
Can Florida’s Shared Fault Laws Impact My Right to Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
No. Florida’s comparative negligence laws do not apply to workers’ compensation cases.
Florida’s modified comparative negligence law can be relevant if you have the right to sue a third party for damages.
In Florida, you lose your right to recover compensation for personal injuries if you were more than 50% responsible for those injuries. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Our Lawyers in Port St. Lucie Will Fight To Recover Full Compensation for All of Your Workplace Injuries
Our Port St. Lucie workers’ compensation attorneys represent clients who have suffered all types of injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Lung damage
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Occupational diseases
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
It’s never too early to understand your legal options. Workers’ compensation can be complicated. If you make one simple mistake in the paperwork, your claim could be denied. When in doubt, consult a lawyer who can fight for you.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Workers’ Compensation Claim After Suffering a Work-Related Injury in Florida?
You should report the injury to your employer as quickly as you can. If you wait longer than 30 days to provide notice, you could lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
In personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of an injury or diagnosis to file a lawsuit. Again, if you wait longer, you lose your right to seek compensation in most cases.
Contact a Trusted Port St. Lucie Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for a Free Case Review Today
Do you have questions about your right to workers’ compensation benefits in Port St. Lucie, Florida? Has your claim been denied or challenged? An experienced Port St. Lucie workers’ compensation lawyer can help with any issues you’re facing.
