Temporary Total Disability Benefits Lawyer In New Port Richey, Florida
Helping you recover for the benefits you need and deserve now
The vast majority of Florida workers are covered by workers’ compensation. If they sustain an injury or develop an occupational disease within the course and scope of their employment, workers’ compensation benefits may be available. However, to receive such benefits, certain procedures must be carefully followed.
Attorney Joseph Rooth has pursued workers’ compensation claims for more than two decades. He puts this experience to use to help clients properly report work-related accidents, apply for benefits and appeal adverse decisions. Contact the Rooth Law Firm for assistance in obtaining the benefits you need and deserve.
Temporary total disability defined
Temporary total disability means that the employee is completely disabled. However, he or she is expected to fully recover and be able to return to work. Employees who receive this type of workers’ compensation are not able to perform all of their job functions due to the worksite injury or illness that they suffered. The employee’s doctor places the employee on a “no work” status while he or she recovers.
If you have suffered an injury that has caused you to be unable to perform your job functions and would like to pursue temporary wage replacement during this time, contact a New Port Richey workers’ compensation attorney.
Amount of temporary total disability benefits
Individuals who receive temporary total disability benefits are two-thirds of a worker’s average weekly wages, subject to a state maximum. In very rare instances when the injury is extreme, the employee may qualify for a higher rate. The average weekly wage is based upon the employee’s reported earnings for the 13 weeks before the date of the accident. Fringe benefits can also be counted in this amount. Such benefits include health insurance, a car allowance and a housing allowance. If the injured employee had not worked that much in the 13 weeks preceding the accident, an employee in a similar position can be used. If the employee is a seasonal worker, other weeks can be considered.
Employees who receive temporary total disability benefits can continue to receive these benefits for up to 104 weeks. After this point in time, the claim may be reclassified as a permanent disability. These benefits are paid every two weeks. If the employee reaches maximum medical improvement, the most that the doctor believes the employee has reached the maximum expected point of recovery and that no further treatment options will improve the employee’s condition, the benefits will stop.
Other types of benefits
In addition to wage replacement income, workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Healthcare treatment – The employee’s injury-related medical expenses are covered. These benefits usually include treatment, doctor’s bills, hospital visits and prescriptions.
- Mileage reimbursement – Injured employees can be reimbursed for travel costs associated with medical appointments. Additionally, lost wages that accrue because of traveling for medical appointments and being seen at the doctor’s office may be compensated.
- Funeral and death benefits – If an employee dies as a result of his or her injury or illness, his or her dependents may be able to receive death benefits. The maximum amount of death benefits is $150,000. Additionally, dependents may be able to receive funeral expenses reimbursements up to $7,500.