Injured on the job in Broward County? Florida's workers' compensation system is supposed to be no-fault — but denials, delays, and disputed benefits are routine. Forty years of making the system deliver what hurt workers are owed. The consultation is free.
In Florida workers' comp, the employer's insurer generally controls which authorized physician treats you. When that doctor minimizes your injury or rushes you back to work, your benefits — and your recovery — suffer.
"The 'company doctor' cleared me before I could even lift my arm."
Disputed compensability, delayed checks, denied surgeries, and abrupt benefit terminations are routine. The system is administered by insurers whose interest is paying less — and most injured workers don't know how to challenge it.
"One day the checks just stopped, with no real explanation."
Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 440.185) generally requires you to report a workplace injury to your employer within 30 days. Miss it, and the insurer has a ready-made reason to deny the entire claim.
"I tried to tough it out — and that delay was used against me."
Workers' comp is usually the exclusive remedy against your employer — but if a third party (a negligent driver, a property owner, a equipment manufacturer) contributed to your injury, you may have a separate injury claim worth far more. Most workers never find out.
"No one told me the other company could be responsible too."
Authorized treatment, surgery, therapy, prescriptions, and mileage reimbursement for an injury that arose out of and in the course of your employment (Fla. Stat. § 440.13) — with no deductible or co-pay.
Temporary total and temporary partial disability checks while you can't work or can only work reduced duty (Fla. Stat. § 440.15), typically a percentage of your average weekly wage.
Impairment-income benefits once you reach maximum medical improvement, and permanent-total benefits for the most serious, career-ending injuries.
Challenging an authorized physician who isn't treating you properly — and pursuing a one-time change of physician where Florida law allows it.
Filing a Petition for Benefits and taking your case before a Judge of Compensation Claims when the insurer denies, delays, or underpays.
Identifying and pursuing any separate injury claim against a negligent third party, which can recover damages workers' comp never pays.
Florida's entire workers' compensation system lives in Chapter 440. Knowing how its deadlines and benefit rules work is how a denied claim becomes a paid one.
Fla. Stat. § 440.185
You must report a workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident (or of learning the injury is work-related). Late reporting is one of the most common reasons claims are denied — tell your employer in writing and keep a copy.
Fla. Stat. § 440.13
The insurer must furnish medically necessary treatment for a compensable injury — but it generally controls the authorized provider. Knowing your rights to proper care, second opinions, and a change of physician is central to protecting your recovery.
Fla. Stat. § 440.15
Temporary total, temporary partial, impairment, and permanent-total benefits compensate for lost earning capacity while you heal and after. Insurers frequently calculate the average weekly wage too low or cut benefits early — both are challengeable.
§ 440.19 & § 440.11
A Petition for Benefits generally must be filed within two years of the injury (§ 440.19). Workers' comp is also usually the exclusive remedy against your employer (§ 440.11) — but it does not bar a separate claim against a negligent third party.
This page provides general information about Florida workers' compensation law and is not legal advice. Statutes and case law change; your specific case requires a consultation.
Broward County's construction boom, tourism economy, and logistics hubs put thousands of workers in harm's way every day.
However you were hurt on the job, call (954) 572-8000 for a free consultation about your rights.
Founding Attorney · Admitted 1982 · J.D., Nova Southeastern
Robert has spent more than forty years representing injured Floridians — and he knows how the workers' compensation system actually treats them. When you call DiStefano Law, you reach Robert directly, and he'll tell you whether your claim is being handled fairly and whether a separate injury claim may also exist.
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Lisa Marie Santamarta, Esq.
Bilingual — English & Spanish
Lisa Marie Santamarta handles personal-injury, medical malpractice, and immigration matters for clients throughout Florida, and has practiced in South Florida since 2011. Like every attorney at DiStefano Law, she handles your matter personally, without an intake call center or a rotating roster of associates.
Fluent in English and Spanish, she can guide you through an accident claim or the immigration system in the language you are most comfortable speaking.
A free, confidential consultation about your workers' compensation rights — and whether a separate injury claim may also exist.
(954) 572-8000