Articles Posted in Workers' Compensation

In my opinion, the most important Florida workers’ compensation case of all time is Aguilera v. Inservices, Inc., 905 So.2d 84 (Fla., 2005). Aguilera made it clear that workers’ compensation insurance carriers and adjusters are not immune from being sued for the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress where their conduct in handling a…

At the urging of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature in 2002 passed a workers’ compensation bill designed to limit carrier-paid attorney’s fees to claimants’ attorneys. The measure was challenged in the courts by claimants (injured workers), who argued that it was unconstitutional (denied access to courts & equal protection) and that it should be…

A statute of limitation is a provision that ends a person’s or company’s right to sue with regard to a legal dispute. Every legal dispute in Florida is subject to a statute of limitation, with the time period in any particular matter depending on the nature of the dispute. Florida Statute 95.11 sets forth the…

Many factors go into determining the settlement value of a Florida workers’ compensation case. Although the opposing parties are seeking different outcomes – the Claimant wants to recover as much as possible, while the Employer/Carrier wishes to settle for as little as possible – each side benefits from performing a fair and honest evaluation; neither…

Yesterday’s blog was about the primary legal differences between Florida’s workers’ compensation and personal injury systems with regard to accident-related bodily injuries. Today’s blog will address the differences, which are significant, between Florida’s workers’ compensation system and it’s Wrongful Death Act for the loss of life due to accidents. For the most part, the laws…

As our law firm has an expertise in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, we are frequently asked to explain to our clients and other lawyers the differences between the two. Although both types of cases involve bodily injuries, they have little else in common. With rare exception (see Florida Statute 440.11), the remedies available…

The question often arises in Florida as to whether undocumented workers can be compensated for lost wages (past and future) in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. With few exceptions, the answer appears to be No. Although the damages available in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases may differ, both offer elements of awards for…

A statute of limitations is a provision that ends a person’s right to claim benefits or sue for compensation and damages. A Florida workers’ compensation claim or petition for benefits is forever barred unless it is filed within (1) two years of the date of injury, or (2) after the initial two years, within one…

With the exception of independent contractors working or performing services in the construction industry (Florida Statute 440.02(15)(c)3), individuals working as independent contractors are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits from the companies for whom they are performing services. The reason why is because they are not considered employees of those companies. F.S. 440.02(15)(d)1. These statements…

There are three primary types of lost wage, or indemnity, benefits available to injured workers under Florida’s workers’ compensation system. They are: Temporary Partial Disability (440.15(4)); Temporary Total Disability (440.15(2)); and Permanent Total Disability (440.15(1)). Each of the temporary benefits is available for a limited period of time – not to exceed 104 weeks (see…