After you got hurt at work, the first question you probably asked the doctor was how long it would take for you to get back to work. No one wants to sit at home doing nothing because of an injury.
Many people who get hurt at work, even those who suffer relatively serious injuries, can eventually get back to the job they have always done. Expert trauma care and rehabilitative services can get you back in to shape to continue performing the same responsibilities you always have.
Sadly, some people will have injuries that will permanently affect their ability to do their job. Broken bones, brain injuries, spine injuries and even soft tissue injuries can have permanent consequences. How does Florida protect you if an injury changes your work ability?
Florida offers impairment benefits through workers’ compensation
Workers’ compensation doesn’t just cover your medical costs after you get hurt. It can also replace your wages until you get back on the job. If your injury is bad enough that you can’t continue doing the same work even after you heal, then you might need impairment benefits.
When your injury affects what you can do and therefore what you can earn, you can receive benefits that help cover the change in your earning potential. The impairment benefit only offers a portion of the standard disability benefit, but it can help reduce the impact of your lower earning potential because of an injury.
Connecting with impairment benefits, especially if you already closed your workers’ compensation case, can require significant effort. Legal help and advice during this process can increase your chances of success.