Will an employee in Florida still get a paycheck while on workers’ comp?
Coral Gables, FL—The answer depends upon the employee’s condition. If an employee suffers a work-related injury and they are unable to return to work, then their employer is not required to provide them with a paycheck, unless they have paid sick time they want to utilize. But if an employee misses more than seven workdays due to their injuries, then they would typically qualify for wage replacement benefits.
What are wage replacement benefits?
When an employee cannot work and is covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, they may qualify for wage replacement benefits, also referred to as indemnity benefits. Wage replacement benefits will pay a person a percentage of the wages they were earning prior to their work accident.
While it isn’t quite the same as receiving a paycheck, these benefits do help injured workers take the time they need to recover without the worry of not receiving any sort of income. The amount a person can collect in wage replacement benefits does depend on the severity of their condition.
How are wage replacement benefits paid?
When an employee suffers a temporary total disability (TTD), it means they cannot work. Therefore, these employees would qualify for indemnity benefits once they have been out of work for more than seven days andan authorized physician has determined their condition prevents them from working.
Important: If an employee is out of work for more than 21 days, then the insurer may then pay them for the first seven days they were unable to work.
If an employee suffers a temporary partial disability, then they may be able to return to work with restrictions. In this case, they would then qualify for a paycheck for the hours they work and may still be entitled to collect wage replacement benefits.
How often will an employee receive their wage replacement benefit check?
An injured worker in Coral Gables, FL should receive their first wage replacement benefit check within 21 days after they reported their injury to their employer, according to the Florida Division or Workers’ Compensation.
Benefit checks may be paid on a weekly or bi-weekly basis going forward and an individual can receive these benefits for up to 104 weeks.
Reasons to consult with a Coral Gables, FL workers’ compensation lawyer after a work accident
A FL workers’ compensation lawyer is going to take the time to explain what an injured worker’s rights are and they will also go into detail about the benefits they should receive. They can even help an injured worker get their claim filed.
A workers’ comp lawyer in Coral Gables can also be of some assistance if any of the following situations arise:
- Benefits are cut short.
- Medical care is being denied.
- An employee suffered a permanent disability that prevents them from ever working again.
If an employee is Coral Gables has questions concerning their workers’ comp benefits or have other issues they’d like an attorney to address, they can reach Mario Trespalacios P.A. at 305-261-5800.
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
