When a worker experiences an injury on the job in Florida, an expectation exists that he or she will receive fair compensation for the injury. This could include the payment of lost wages and the payment of medical bills.
A look at the core reasoning behind these laws illustrates the importance of a fair system for workers’ compensation claims.
The requirement for medical documentation
According to information from the Florida State Statutes, a workers’ compensation claim must have valid medical documentation to support the claim. This includes a reasonable determination of medical certainty that the injury or disability came from work performed on the job. The injury must come from the workplace and account for at least 50% of the person’s inability to perform his or her job.
In cases that involve long-term issues, such as disease or repetitive injuries, clear and convincing evidence must exist to support the claim. This will likely involve the expertise of a medical professional, physical examination and diagnostic testing.
The obligations of employers
The Florida workers’ compensation system requires an employer to act in good faith. Failure to do so poses a danger to public health and safety. Part of this obligation includes following proper procedures to identify workers as employees who are eligible to file compensation claims.
The system includes enforcement powers that allow authorities to engage in actions to ensure compliance. This includes the ability to conduct investigations, examine business records, issue subpoenas and enforce a work-stop order.
The workers’ compensation system in Florida has obligations for both workers and employers. Sometimes pursuing a claim might require legal support to make sure the principles of the program prevail.
