A workplace injury can affect more than your health. A back injury from lifting, a fall from a ladder or a repetitive-motion injury can also make it harder to earn your usual paycheck. Knowing what to do after an injury can help you protect access to workers’ compensation benefits while you recover.
Starting with reporting and medical care
Reporting a workplace injury to your employer as soon as possible creates a record of what happened. In Florida, you generally have 30 days to report an accident or a work-related injury to your employer. Waiting longer may put your workers’ compensation claim at risk.
Getting medical care also creates records that can show the nature and extent of your injury. In most cases, Florida workers’ compensation requires treatment from a medical provider selected or approved by your employer or its insurance carrier.
Florida workers’ compensation may cover authorized treatment such as doctor visits, hospital care, physical therapy, medical tests and prescription drugs. Knowing which provider is authorized can help prevent issues with coverage or payment for treatment.
Protecting your claim and income
After reporting your injury, keeping track of your treatment and work status can help document how the injury affects your ability to work. These steps can also help you stay organized as your claim moves forward:
- Keeping copies of medical records, work restrictions and claim-related notices can help you track important information.
- Following your authorized doctor’s treatment plan can help document your recovery and work limitations.
- Keeping notes about missed work, reduced hours or changes in your duties can help show how the injury affects your income.
- Reviewing claim documents for errors can help you spot incorrect details about your injury, contact information or work status.
When a claim involves a serious injury, disputed benefits or lasting work limitations, legal assistance can help you address claim issues and evaluate which benefits may apply.
Workers’ compensation may provide medical care and partial wage replacement when a qualifying workplace injury prevents you from working or reduces your earnings.
Protecting more than your health
A workplace injury can affect your health, your work and your income at the same time. Reporting the injury promptly, getting treatment from an authorized provider and keeping records of your care can help protect your workers’ compensation claim. Taking these steps early can give you a clearer record of your injury and the benefits you may be able to pursue while you recover.
