For the most part, employees who get injured at work don’t know a whole lot about workers compensation benefits. All they know is that they’re supposed to report their injuries to their employer as soon as possible. You also know that you’ll need to fill out paperwork so you can apply for workers compensation benefits. If all goes well, you should start to receive your benefits in one or two weeks. The problem is that it’s hard to know whether the benefits you’re receiving are the right amount. If you’re not sure what income the insurance company used to calculate your average weekly wages, you’ll have no idea whether the benefits are right or wrong. This is why it’s a good idea to retain a Coral Springs workers comp lawyer. Our attorneys know how these benefits are calculated and they can look to see if there was an error made in your claim.
It can be hard enough living on 2/3 of your average weekly wages to begin with. The last thing you need is to have your workers compensation benefits be cut even more. We suggest you call our office as soon as you realize there’s been a mistake so we can help you get to the bottom of it. Our workers comp lawyers in Coral Springs offer new clients a free consultation. This gives you a chance to sit down with a seasoned attorney who knows the law. They can review your claim and try to identify what the issue is. They can also answer any questions you may have. If it seems that your claim does have value, we may be willing to represent you in the matter. If not, we will be honest and upfront with you so that you don’t get your hopes up unfairly.
If Your Approved for Workers Compensation, You’ll Receive 2 Types of Benefits
People who are approved for workers compensation benefits in Florida receive two different types of benefits. The first type is medical treatment for any injuries related to your workplace accident. This includes things like hospitalization, physical therapy, and doctor’s appointments. It also includes any prescription medications you may need and durable medical equipment.
The second type of workers compensation benefits you’ll receive are weekly replacement wages. These benefits typically start one to two weeks after your workplace accident. They’re equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wages. For example, if you typically make $1,000 per week, under workers compensation you will receive approximately $666 per week. Somebody who makes $300 a week would only receive approximately $200.00 per week under workers comp.
What Income is Included in Your Average Weekly Wages?
The important thing to know is the types of income included when the insurance company determines your average weekly wages. Obviously, your salary or hourly rate will be included as part of your average weekly wages. However, there are additional sources of income that may qualify to be considered when determining your workers compensation benefits. For example, if you make tips at your job, they can be included as income for workers compensation purposes. The same is true for people who make sales commissions or bonuses.
The point of paying you weekly replacement wages is so that you can still support yourself while you’re waiting to get better. It wouldn’t be fair to not include the income you’re receiving prior to the accident when determining your average weekly benefits rate. If, however, your employee fails to include some or all of this ancillary income, you need to let your Coral Springs workers comp lawyer know right away.
There is a Limit to How Much Workers Compensation Benefits You Can Receive Per Week
There is one other important thing to note. Every state has a limit to how much you can receive every week. In Florida, that weekly maximum amount is $1,099. What this means is that people who earn a certain amount of money will not receive their full 2/3. For example, if you normally make $2,000 per week, 2/3 of that money would be $1,332 dollars. Since the weekly limit in Florida is $1,099, you would be receiving significantly less per week than the actual 2/3. We understand that this can be very confusing and that’s why we suggest you contact a worker’s comp lawyer in Coral Springs right away.
Your Workers Comp Lawyer in Coral Springs May Be Able to Help
If you have recently been injured at work and feel that you’re entitled to workers compensation benefits, you should contact one of our workers comp lawyers in Coral Springs. Most people who suffer a workplace accident are not in the physical shape to be dealing with the insurance company. Between doctor’s appointments and other medical care, you’re lucky if you have a few hours to yourself every day. The last thing you want to hear is that your workers’ compensation benefits have been calculated incorrectly. Most people don’t know how these benefits are calculated in the first place. When they’re wrong, they have no idea what they’re supposed to do. This is when it’s time to contact one of our Coral Springs workers comp Lawyers.
Our staff have decades of combined experience handling workers’ compensation cases. We are very familiar with the law in Florida and know exactly how your workers compensation benefits should be calculated. Of course, people do make mistakes and there are times when your benefits may be calculated incorrectly. As long as you notice this early, your workers comp lawyer in Coral Springs should be able to get it fixed. If there is a legitimate error, you may be entitled to retroactive pay as well.
We suggest that you contact our office as soon as you realize there’s a mistake with your workers compensation benefits. We offer all new clients a free, initial consultation. This gives you a chance to meet with one of our workers’ comp lawyers in Coral Springs and see if they agree with you. If we do feel that there’s something wrong with your benefit amount, we can reach out to the insurance carrier and find out what’s going on. Since the initial consultation is free, you really have nothing to lose by stopping in.
