What to Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury in Florida

What to Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury in Florida

A Step-by-Step Guide for Protecting Your Rights and Benefits

1. Report the Injury Immediately

• Tell your employer or supervisor right away. Florida law requires you to report a workplace accident within 30 days of the injury or of discovering the condition.

• Provide specific details: how the injury occurred, where it happened, and what parts of your body were affected.

• Request that your employer file a First Report of Injury or Illness with their workers’ compensation insurance.

Why this matters: Failing to report promptly is one of the most common reasons claims are denied.

2. Seek Medical Treatment from an Authorized Provider

• In Florida, you generally cannot choose your own doctor. Your employer (or their insurance company) must authorize the treating physician.

• If it’s an emergency, go to the nearest ER—your employer’s insurance should cover it. For non-emergencies, wait for employer/insurer authorization.

• Follow all treatment instructions carefully. Missed appointments or ignored restrictions can hurt your claim.

Tip: Always document your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your ability to work.

3. Document Everything

• Keep a record of:

  
  

  • Date, time, and location of the accident

  • Witnesses who saw the incident

  • Any equipment or conditions involved (e.g., broken ladder, slippery floor)

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• Save copies of medical records, work restrictions, prescriptions, and all correspondence with your employer or the insurance carrier.

• Maintain a daily log of symptoms and missed workdays.

4. Confirm That the Claim Is Reported

• After your employer reports the accident, you should receive an information packet from the insurance company within 3–7 days.

• This packet typically includes:

  
  

  • A copy of the accident report

  • Your claim number

  • Contact information for the claims adjuster

• 
  

• If you don’t receive confirmation, contact your employer’s HR or the insurance carrier directly.

5. Understand Your Immediate Benefits

• Medical care: Paid for by the employer’s workers’ comp insurer.

• Lost wages: If you miss more than 7 days of work, you may be eligible for temporary total or partial disability benefits.

• Mileage reimbursement: For travel to and from authorized medical appointments.

6. Follow Work Restrictions

• If your doctor gives you light-duty restrictions, your employer may provide modified work.

• Refusing offered work that meets restrictions could suspend your benefits.

• If your employer cannot accommodate your restrictions, wage replacement benefits may continue.

7. Be Cautious With Insurance Adjusters

• Adjusters may seem helpful but work for the insurance company—not you.

• Avoid giving recorded statements without understanding your rights.

• Be careful about posting on social media—photos or comments can be used against your claim.

8. Know When to Contact an Attorney

You should strongly consider consulting a Florida workers’ compensation attorney if:

• Your claim is denied or delayed.

• You’re pressured to return to work before you’re ready.

• Your benefits are suddenly reduced or cut off.

• You have a pre-existing condition made worse by work.

• You’re facing retaliation or termination after filing a claim.

9. Keep Track of Deadlines

• Report the injury: Within 30 days.

• File a petition for benefits: Within 2 years from the date of injury (if necessary).

• Appeal deadlines: Short windows apply if your claim is denied.

10. Protect Your Future

• Don’t rush into a settlement without understanding its impact on future medical treatment.

• Settlements are usually final—once accepted, you cannot reopen your claim.

• An attorney can help negotiate fair compensation and safeguard long-term benefits.

Summary Checklist

✔ Report the injury immediately (within 30 days)

✔ Get medical treatment from an authorized provider

✔ Document all details and keep records

✔ Verify the claim was filed with insurance

✔ Learn about your wage and medical benefits

✔ Follow work restrictions to keep benefits active

✔ Be careful with adjusters and social media

✔ Consult an attorney if problems arise

✔ Track deadlines to avoid losing rights

✔ Consider future medical needs before settling

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