What 4 types of issues are not covered by workers compensation

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers four major disability compensation programs which provides to federal workers (or their dependents) and other specific groups who are injured at work or acquire an occupational disease – providing the injured:

Table of Contents Show

What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Who Is Required to Have Workers’ Compensation in Florida?
What Is Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Florida?
Pain and Suffering
Injuries That Occurred Outside Work
Self-Inflicted Injuries
What To Do After an Injury at Work
Here’s How Florida’s Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help You
Who is excluded from PA workers Compensation?
Who can be excluded from workers compensation in Arizona?
What are the most common claims for worker compensation?
What are the four most common causes of injury in the workplace?

Wage replacement benefits
Medical treatment
Vocational rehabilitation
Other benefits

Other specific groups are covered by:

Federal Employees' Compensation Program
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Program
Federal Black Lung Program
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program

These entities serve the specific employee groups who are covered under the relevant statutes and regulations by mitigating the financial burden resulting from workplace injury. Individuals injured on the job while employed by private companies or state and local government agencies should contact their state workers' compensation board.

The Department of Labor has several programs designed to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. You may obtain information about these programs by visiting our Workplace Safety and Health page.

As workers’ compensation lawyers, we often get questions from employees who want to know what the workers’ compensation plan covers. Therefore, we’ve decided to write this article to explain what is covered by workers’ compensation in Florida.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private-sector employers reported 2.7 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2020. According to the report, these figures were lower than the numbers recorded in 2019. With many Americans getting injured at work, knowing what to do when injured is important.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation in Florida is a form of insurance for employees who are injured or disabled while doing their job. It is provided by the employer and gives them an incentive to prioritize their employees’ safety. Typically, it covers the cost of medical care for the injured employee, including physical therapy, prescription drugs, and visits to the doctor.

In addition, travel expenses to and from approved healthcare providers, wage replacement benefits, and temporary disability benefits are covered. In some cases where an employee dies on the job, their family is also entitled to death benefits.

Employees who are provided with workers’ compensation waive the right to sue their employers should they get injured on the job. In return, the employers work to keep the workplace safe. Unlike most personal injury cases, workers’ compensation is paid regardless of who is at fault for the injury. Therefore, workers’ compensation will be paid to employees regardless of whether they or the employer are responsible for the injury.

Who Is Required to Have Workers’ Compensation in Florida?

Laws concerning workers’ compensation differ from state to state. In Florida, all businesses with four or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This is regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time. There are some exceptions to this. For example, sole proprietors are excluded, although they can purchase coverage by filing for election of coverage.

Agricultural businesses with at least six regular employees and a minimum of 12 seasonal employees are required to have workers’ compensation, while construction companies must have coverage for all employees. To ensure that all eligible businesses provide workers’ compensation, defaulting businesses could see their operations halted until they comply and pay a penalty. Not complying with this could see the company facing civil charges.

What Is Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Florida?

Under Florida law, workers’ compensation mainly covers medical benefits and lost wages. This section explains some things not covered by workers’ compensation.

Pain and Suffering

Most personal injury lawsuits cover pain and emotional distress, but workers’ compensation does not. While workers can file for pain and suffering, even with strong evidence, there’s a slim chance that they will receive any compensation.

Injuries That Occurred Outside Work

Workers’ compensation in Florida only covers injuries that employees sustained while carrying out their duties. Injuries sustained during the course of a working day but not while carrying out their duties are not included. For example, if a worker had an accident while driving to work, they will not be covered under workers’ compensation. However, if the injury occurred while driving the company car for an official task, then they are covered by workers’ compensation.

Self-Inflicted Injuries

Workers’ compensation does not cover injuries caused by an employee’s behavioral issues. This includes injuries sustained while fighting or drunk.

In addition to these conditions, here are some other conditions not covered by workers’ compensation:

Pre-existing injuries (unless aggravated by a work injury)
Acts of God
Basic injuries and illnesses like cuts, flu, and bruises

What To Do After an Injury at Work

What you do after an injury is dependent on the severity of the injury. If you’re seriously injured, then you should see a doctor immediately. If that is not the case, you should report the incident to your employer, who will begin your compensation process. Your employer will most likely recommend a medical practitioner for you. However, you can choose a different one if you feel uncomfortable with their recommendation.

Here’s How Florida’s Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help You

We hope all workers in Florida are aware of the benefits that come with workers’ compensation. However, we also recognize that not everyone is aware of these benefits, while some situations look like grey areas.

If you’ve been recently injured while at work, you may be covered by workers’ compensation. However, if you are not certain, you can reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll go through the events leading to your accident to determine if you are covered by workers’ compensation. Contact us today for a free case review.

Who is excluded from PA workers Compensation?

Exemptions include: people covered under other workers' compensation acts, such as railroad workers, longshoremen and federal employees; domestic servants (coverage is optional); agricultural workers who work fewer than 30 days or earn less than $1,200 in a calendar year from one employer; and employees who have ...

Who can be excluded from workers compensation in Arizona?

Companies with one or more full or part-time employees are required to buy workers' compensation insurance in Arizona. Sole-Proprietors and Partners are automatically excluded from coverage.