Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Florida and Your Rights to a Lump Sum Settlement
A work injury can change your life in an instant. Between medical appointments, lost paychecks, and the stress of recovery, it’s hard to know where to turn. Fortunately, workers’ compensation is available to help injured employees in South Florida recover and get back on their feet.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains the benefits available and your rights in seeking a lump sum settlement.
Medical and Wage Replacement Benefits for Injured Fort Lauderdale Workers
Under section 440 of the Florida Statutes, workers’ compensation benefits act as insurance when on-the-job injuries in South Florida happen. Medical benefits are available to injured workers regardless of who was at fault and cover hospital visits, diagnostic tests, surgery or other treatments, physical therapy, prescriptions, and transportation to and from doctor appointments.
In terms of lost income due to work-related injuries, Florida workers’ compensation may cover:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits if you can’t work during recovery.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits if you return to work but cannot perform specific tasks and earn less.
- Impairment Income Benefits (IIB) if you suffer permanent impairments but are still able to work.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) if work-related injuries prevent you from working now or in the future.
You may also be entitled to rehabilitative benefits, which can help you get the skills needed if your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior position.
Florida Workers’ Compensation Settlement Options For Wage Replacement Benefits
Benefits available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (WC) can provide a lifeline when on-the-job injuries or occupational illnesses in Fort Lauderdale happen. Once approved, you can choose monthly payments or a lump sum settlement.
Getting a lump sum payment can provide immediate financial relief, but there are drawbacks. These include:
- Insurance negotiations: Settlements often require lengthy and stressful back-and-forth negotiations with insurers.
- Lowball settlements: Insurers downplay the amount you need to recover when offering lump sum settlements, which could leave you paying out-of-pocket.
- Unexpected future costs: Settling your claim based on your current condition could leave you paying unanticipated future costs.
- Waiving your legal rights: Accepting a settlement means you waive the right to any future claims, regardless of whether the amount was fair or covers all losses.
Choosing between continued benefits and a settlement is a big decision that could impact your health and financial security in the future. Talk with our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer before signing anything.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer To Get the Benefits You Deserve
Workers’ compensation in South Florida can help offset the costs of on-the-job injuries. To get the total amount of benefits you deserve and protect your rights in negotiating a settlement, contact The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A.
With over 30 years of experience helping South Florida clients in these cases, our Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer provides caring, personalized service and proven results. With offices in Sunrise, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, request a consultation today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2024&Title=%2D%3E2024%2D%3EChapter%20440
myfloridacfo.com/division/wc/employee/benefits-available-to-injured-workers