Workers’ compensation insurance is necessary for employers/businesses in Florida as it gives value for job-related employee injuries, although with a handful of exclusions. Most employers in the sunshine state are mandated by state statute to procure workers’ compensation insurance.

This compensation policy ensures that workers are reimbursed for work-related injuries, irrespective of whose fault it is. Also, note that the above policy protects business owners from work-related injury litigation. When a worker is injured at work, a variety of things could go wrong.

Medical costs, lost earnings, suffering and pain can all have a significant effect on their finances and sustenance.  As a result, if you are injured at work, your employer is legally obliged to pay for the damages done by the injuries sustained. However, validating your worker’s compensation claim in the sunshine state can be quite challenging; therefore, it is essential that you comprehend your entitlements and obligations before filing a claim.

Statutes in the Sunshine State demand that an employee discloses any workplace injury 30 days after the incident. Your employer is expected to notify their insurance company after receiving the report. If an employer refuses to notify their insurance company, the employee is entitled to file a claim with the Division of Worker’s Compensation.

Since Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for worker’s compensation claims, it is necessary to make sure your employer follows up. The worker’s compensation insurance company will be expected to certify the diagnosis.

They also need to know in vivid terms how you got the injury. Keep in mind that this stage will be the most challenging as it includes trying to prove that the injury occurred on the job. You must check the status of your claim on a fairly frequent basis to figure out when your incentives will be authorized.

Places to Search for Workers Compensation Cases in Florida

In the sunshine state, there are numerous places to search for worker’s compensation cases. Where you will find this information will often depend on the information you seek and the sort of claim you filed. Nonetheless, here are top sources to consider;

  1. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)

The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is in charge of making available vital information to those who write workers’ compensation insurance in Florida. As part of its mandate to uphold a comprehensive and regulated market, and safeguard the insurance-buying public, this agency is renowned for regulating the rates, structures, and economic solvency of workers’ compensation insurers.

They are also in charge of all activities that involve insurers as well as other risk-bearing entities, such as licensing, premiums, policy forms, capital position, claims, approval of certificates of authority, financial stability, viatical settlements, top quality financing, and administrative oversight, as stipulated by the Florida Insurance Code or Chapter 636 of the Florida Statutes.

  1. Florida Division of Worker’s Compensation

The Division of Workers’ Compensation inside the Department of Financial Services (DFS) is acknowledged as the main regulator in the Sunshine State. They make sure that employees get the correct benefits under workers’ compensation coverage, which includes benefits for medical expenses, disability, or death.

Keep in mind that their purpose is to provide anyone participating or embroiled in the Florida workers’ compensation system with the information and assistance they require.

They also assist injured workers, business establishments, medical practitioners, and insurers in adhering to Florida workers’ remuneration rules and laws. Although the Division is not tasked with making adjustments to claims, they do function as a resource to help guarantee that claims are correctly modified and repaid.

  1. Employer’s Insurance Company

You could also determine the status of a work injury claim by contacting your employer’s insurance company. Since the insurer is the entity required to handle your claim, your employer is unlikely to provide you with any news. It is advised that you converse with an official at the insurance agency directly. When communicating with an insurance adjuster, however, you must always proceed with caution.

Remember that they are constantly seeking justifications to decrease or dismiss valid claims. A workers’ compensation claim can be deferred or turned down for a wide range of reasons. Furthermore, insurance companies scrutinize each claim thoroughly since fraud is an upsetting concern in the workers’ compensation system.

  1. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is a politically neutral, charitable organization controlled by the chief insurance regulators of the United States 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

According to reports, the NAIC develops benchmarks for the insurance industry in the United States, as well as provides assistance to insurance regulators. Aside from that, it makes available information and resources for visiting customers.

It is also worth noting that the NAIC website makes available basic details on life, health, homeowners, automobile, and other types of insurance. It has an Insurance Policy Locator tool, which allows customers to browse details on active or unclaimed policies.

How to Carry Out a Florida Workers Compensation Case Search

Employees are always eager to rectify their workers’ compensation claims as quickly as possible in order to avoid unwarranted economic difficulties. Here are some simple steps to take to check the status of your claim in Florida:

  1. Discover the claim number from the same worker’s compensation application you submitted. If you submitted it in person, then it will be on the validation printout or paperwork you brought back.
  2. Access the website of any of the aforementioned agencies or divisions. If you don’t know which one to use, consult the claims examiner who was designated to you after you submitted your claim and request the website.
  3. Select the choice that permits you to view the status of a currently underway claim or your benefits.
  4. Input your claim number, birth date, and a portion of your Social Security number or PIN, then follow through with the on-screen directions.
  5. If you have any other queries concerning the status of your claim or your worker’s compensation check, ensure to reach out to your claims examiner.

Conclusion

It is critical that you track the status of your claim on a regular basis to identify when your benefits will be approved. If you need assistance when it comes to checking it, a workers’ compensation attorney can reach the insurance company to fix any problems that are delaying your payments.