Compensation Benefits

If you were injured while working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your past and future lost wages and past and future medical expenses. However, don’t make the mistake of assuming that you will automatically receive these benefits. Employers and their insurance companies regularly make the process difficult in hopes of discouraging deserving workers from obtaining compensation and medical benefits. However, a Miami workers' compensation lawyer can help you understand how they can effectively navigate the process to ensure you receive all the benefits that you are entitled to.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience advocating for injured workers in Florida. We have an intricate understanding of Florida workers' compensation system, and know how to maximize your compensation and medical benefits.

If you sustained an injury at work, you may be wondering how you will cover your daily expenses—especially if your injury or medical condition prevents you from working. Our law firm's Miami workers' compensation benefits lawyers are always available to explain the type of benefits that can be secured for injured workers, which include:

Compensation Based on Average Weekly Wage

You are entitled to receive a compensation rate based on your average weekly wage from your reported earnings and fringe benefits for the 13 weeks before your work-related accident occurred. Any wages you earned from a second job can also be used to calculate your average weekly wage and corresponding compensation rate.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits

You are eligible for TTD benefits if your workers' compensation doctor determines that you are not able to work because of your work-related injuries. These benefits can be paid for several years until the doctor determines you have reached a maximum level of improvement.

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD)

If you are able to return to work on a modified basis, you are entitled to TPD benefits. The amount of benefits will be based on how much you can earn on a restricted duty basis. These benefits can be payable for years until the workers' compensation doctor determines you have reached a maximum level of improvement.

Permanent Impairment Benefits

Once your workers' compensation doctor determines that you have reached a maximum level of improvement, your temporary benefits will likely end. In order to continue receiving benefits, you must obtain a permanent impairment rating from your workers’ compensation doctor. If you qualify, these benefits are paid bi-weekly at 75 percent of the wages you earned if you are still not working or 50 percent if you are not working.

Permanent Today Disability Benefits (PTD)

To qualify for PTD benefits, your doctor must determine that you are unable to engage in sedentary-duty work within 50 miles of your home based on your physical limitations.

Death Benefits

If a family member died in a work-related accident, the survivors may be entitled to receive death benefits, including funeral expenses, two-thirds of the deceased employee's average weekly wage and schooling expenses for the surviving spouse.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) refers to the point where your medical condition has stabilized to the point where no major medical or functional improvements are expected, even with additional treatment. In other words, it's when you have recovered as fully as possible from your injury or illness, and your condition is not anticipated to change significantly in the future.

MMI is a critical component of workers' compensation law, because this is the point where you could get assigned a permanent impairment rating, which may qualify you for long-term benefits.

Florida's workers' compensation system is highly complicated and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. But this is not a journey you need to go on alone. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our Miami workers’ compensation benefits lawyers will apply our many years of experience and legal skills to help you obtain the benefits you are entitled to after experiencing a workplace injury. To learn more, contact our Miami office by calling at 305-448-8585 to schedule a free initial consultation with a highly skilled Florida workers' compensation attorney. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All consultations are free and confidential.