Florida workers compensation covers most workplace injuries — but it may not be your only option. Third-party claims can provide significantly more compensation.
Statute of Limitations
Florida workers compensation: report injury immediately. Personal injury claims against third parties: 2 years from the date of injury.
Florida requires most employers with 4 or more employees (1 or more in construction) to carry workers compensation insurance (Fla. Stat. § 440.01 et seq.). Florida workers comp provides medical treatment, temporary total disability at 66 2/3% of wages, impairment benefits, and death benefits. Florida's workers comp system underwent major reform in 2003 and has some of the most complex rules in the country — particularly around attorney fees, maximum medical improvement (MMI), and impairment ratings.
Florida-Specific Tip
Florida's workers compensation attorney fee structure is unique — attorney fees are based on a statutory formula tied to the benefits secured rather than hourly rates. Florida's construction industry accounts for a disproportionate share of serious workplace injuries. Florida also has specific rules about independent contractors in construction — misclassification is common and can affect your rights.
📊 Florida's workers compensation system processes tens of thousands of claims annually. Third-party claims are frequently overlooked but can dramatically increase total recovery.
Report the injury to your supervisor in writing immediately
Seek medical attention immediately
File a workers compensation claim with your employer under Florida law
Document all expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs
Evaluate whether any third party contributed to your injury
Contact a Florida workplace injury attorney to evaluate all available claims
Florida requires most employers with 4 or more employees (1 or more in construction) to carry workers compensation insurance (Fla. Stat. § 440.01 et seq.). Florida workers comp provides medical treatment, temporary total disability at 66 2/3% of wages, impairment benefits, and death benefits. Florida's workers comp system underwent major reform in 2003 and has some of the most complex rules in the country — particularly around attorney fees, maximum medical improvement (MMI), and impairment ratings.
Generally workers compensation is the exclusive remedy against your direct employer. However you can still pursue third-party claims against any other party whose negligence contributed to your injury — contractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners.
Even if your employer carries workers compensation, you can sue any third party whose negligence contributed to your injury. These third-party claims can include pain and suffering damages that workers comp does not cover, and can be pursued simultaneously with a workers comp claim.
No upfront cost. Contingency fees — you only pay if you win.
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