What Are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Laws in Florida?

In every state across America, the workers’ compensation program was designed in order to provide financial security to individuals that become injured while at work. The funding given to them should cover all medical expenses and a percentage of the wages they would lose if they were unable to work for an extended period of time. This is a benefit to employees obviously, but it would be difficult for employers to pay these costs on their own. This is how the concept of workers’ compensation insurance began.

When a company purchases workers’ compensation insurance from a licensed insurance carrier, they are agreeing to pay a certain amount to then have the insurance company pay for the necessary workers’ comp expenses in the event of an incident. This is no different than most forms of insurance on either a personal or corporate level. Unlike some other forms of insurance however, there are more laws regulated the need for and execution of workers’ compensation insurance.

The specific laws on the matter vary from state to state. In the State of Florida, it is mandatory for a company with more than four employees to carry and provide workers’ compensation insurance for employees. In addition, any company, regardless of whether of not they are based in Florida, must provide workers’ compensation insurance if they do business in Florida and are involved in certain fields. These fields tend to be the ones that are considered most “at risk” for worker injury claims, such as construction.

If an employer is found to not have workers’ compensation insurance, the legal penalties and fines can be severe. In addition, no company has the ability to deny an employee workers’ compensation and, if they try to, the injured worker has every right to file a lawsuit against them. If you suspect your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance or they are denying you this right, it is highly recommended that you speak with an attorney to determine the best course of action.

We at the Franco Law Firm have the skills and experience to help you through your workers’ comp case and we would be happy to do so. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with us today, please call us at (813) 872-0929.