Are teachers in Homestead, Florida covered by workers’ compensation insurance?
If a public or private school teacher in Homestead suffers an injury at work or becomes ill as a result of working, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The Florida workers’ compensation system was designed to help injured workers obtain the medical care needed to treat their injuries as well as provide them with a portion of the wages they would have earned had they been able to work.
What types of workers’ compensation benefits are made available to Florida teachers?
Teachers who suffer an injury at work or become ill may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Medical Benefits
Most, if not all, of the medical care an injured or ill teacher needs to have rendered should be covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurer so as long as it is from an authorized physician. If an injured or ill worker seeks care from a health care provider who is not authorized to render treatment, their claim may be denied.
Generally, the only time an injured employee can obtain medical treatment without first getting approval from the insurer is if they need immediate medical care following a work-related accident. For example, if an employee suffered a severe injury and had to go to the hospital, then the care they had rendered there should be covered.
- Indemnity Benefits
A teacher who suffered a work-related illness or injury may also be entitled to recover wage replacement benefits if they missed more than seven days of work. For example, if a teacher contracted the COVID-19 virus from their place of employment, they may be able to recover both medical and wage replacement benefits if they can show they became sick as a direct result of working.
Some people hire workers’ compensation lawyers after a work accident. Should a teacher retain an attorney?
A teacher in Homestead may need to hire a workers’ comp lawyer if:
- They were told they aren’t entitled to workers’ comp benefits even though they are.
- Their employer is refusing to report their illness or injury to their insurer.
- They aren’t able to get their questions answered.
- Their benefits ended too early.
- The medical provider is sending the injured or ill worker bills as a result of the insurer refusing to pay them.
- They are in need of legal advice.
Any teachers in Homestead, FL who suffered an injury or illness as a result of working can contact Mario Trespalacios P.A. if they are dealing with any of the circumstances listed above. Those who have other issues or concerns are also invited to contact Mario Trespalacios P.A. to receive a free consultation.
Mario Trespalacios P.A. can be contacted at:
9495 SW 72 Street, Suite B-275
Miami, FL 33173
Phone: 305-261-5800
Website: www.mtpalegal.com