Which Medical Bills Does Workers’ Compensation Actually Pay?

Compared to other U.S. states, Florida’s workers’ compensation system is somewhat unusual, and it is important for injured workers to be aware of the differences. In most states, workers’ compensation will pay all “reasonably necessary” medical care, and deal directly with providers. However, in Florida, in most cases, compensation from workers’ compensation insurance goes directly to the employee. This can surprise or confuse workers coming from other states.

“Reasonably Necessary” Medical Care

Workers’ compensation insurance in Florida will generally pay for reasonably necessary medical expenses, and in some cases, will also pay a portion of the employee’s lost wages. However, it is not always easy to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, particularly if your injury is unusual or occurred off your employer’s premises. In theory, if an injury is work-related, it is compensable, but there are always exceptions.

Even if your injury is classified as properly work-related, it is important to remember that workers’ compensation insurance in Florida only covers “reasonably necessary” medical care. Unfortunately, it is all too common for “reasonably necessary” to be defined not by an overview of your case, but of actuarial tables or other statistics that may have no immediate bearing on your situation. While a worker has the right to appeal a Florida workers’ compensation denial, this process can still be difficult and draining.

Negotiation Is Up To You

Notwithstanding the insurer’s definition of “reasonably necessary” medical care, it is important for an injured person in Florida to be aware that any attempt to deal with their medical bills is up to them, because any compensation winds up directly in their pocket. This can be frightening and intimidating to the average person, because there are several different factors that can complicate simply paying one’s medical bills.

Enlisting a knowledgeable attorney can help to ease the burden, because an attorney authorized to act on your behalf can step into the role of advocate. They may even be able to negotiate a lower price for medical care or other expenses incurred as a result of your injury, or to help you avoid potential issues that could reduce the amount of any compensatory award.

Contact An Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Being injured on the job is never an easy situation to get through, but Florida’s compensation rules can create brand new headaches for you when all you want to do is focus on healing. An Orlando workers’ compensation attorney from the Hornsby Law Group can sit down with you and try to answer any questions you might have about the process. Call our office today for a free consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.20.html