Injuries That Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Florida
At Reese Legal, we help injured workers throughout Florida get the benefits they deserve under workers' comp law. Many people are surprised to learn how broad workers’ compensation coverage really is.
It’s not limited to dramatic accidents or construction site injuries. It also includes repetitive strain, occupational diseases, and even certain psychological conditions under the right circumstances.
Florida’s workers' comp system is supposed to provide injured workers with medical care, lost wages, and other benefits without requiring a lawsuit. But getting those benefits often takes legal help—especially when employers or insurance companies challenge claims.
We guide workers through each step and fight to keep their cases on track.
In this article, we explain what kinds of injuries typically qualify for workers' comp in Florida, how the system works, and what injured workers should know about their rights.
What Is Covered Under Florida Workers’ Comp Law?
Florida law requires most employers with four or more employees (and all construction employers with one or more) to carry workers' compensation insurance. This insurance pays for injuries and illnesses that arise out of and during the course of employment.
To qualify for workers' comp benefits in Florida, the injury must meet two key conditions:
It must happen while performing job duties or while at work.
It must require medical treatment or cause time off from work.
The injury doesn’t have to be caused by a specific accident. It can result from long-term exposure or repeated motion. In some cases, it can even be a mental or emotional injury—but these are harder to prove and must meet additional legal requirements.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of injuries we see most often at Reese Legal and how they qualify for benefits under Florida workers' comp law.
Common Injuries That Qualify for Workers’ Comp
Florida workers' comp covers a wide range of injuries and conditions. Below is a list that outlines the most common types of injuries that often lead to valid claims.
Back and Neck Injuries
Heavy lifting, poor ergonomics, or falls can lead to herniated discs, sprains, or spinal injuries. These injuries often make it hard to return to work right away and require ongoing medical care.Repetitive Stress Injuries
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis develop over time from repetitive motions. They often affect office workers, factory employees, and food service staff.Slips, Trips, and Falls
Falls are among the most reported workplace accidents. Whether on a construction site or in an office hallway, a fall that results in injury may qualify for workers’ comp.Fractures and Broken Bones
These can result from falling objects, car accidents on the job, or machinery incidents. Treatment and recovery often involve time off and follow-up care.Burns and Electrical Injuries
Workers in kitchens, industrial sites, or electrical jobs may suffer burns, shocks, or thermal injuries. These can leave permanent damage and require specialized treatment.Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A fall, a vehicle crash, or getting struck by equipment can result in a concussion or more serious brain injury. Even “mild” TBIs may lead to long-term symptoms.Amputations
Loss of a limb or finger from machinery accidents or severe trauma is life-changing. Florida workers' comp provides permanent impairment benefits in these cases.Eye Injuries
Flying debris, chemical exposure, or lack of protective gear can cause vision loss or damage. These injuries often require immediate and long-term care.Hearing Loss
Workers exposed to constant loud noise may suffer occupational hearing loss. If documented correctly, it qualifies for benefits.Occupational Illnesses
Long-term exposure to chemicals, fumes, or hazardous materials can lead to lung disease, cancer, or other chronic illnesses. These cases often need strong medical documentation to succeed.
Each of these injuries can lead to workers' comp claims if they arise from job-related activities. At Reese Legal, we work closely with doctors and medical professionals to show the connection between the injury and the job.
Mental Health and Workers’ Comp
Florida law generally does not allow workers' comp claims for mental or emotional injuries unless they are directly tied to a physical injury. For example, a worker who develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious accident at work may qualify if the PTSD is clearly linked to the physical trauma.
First responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, have additional protections under Florida Statute §112.1815. They may be eligible for benefits for PTSD even without a physical injury if it stems from events like witnessing death or suffering violence.
These claims are more challenging, but we’ve seen success when the facts and medical records are strong.
What Benefits Are Available Under Workers' Comp?
Workers' comp benefits in Florida are meant to cover essential needs so that injured workers don’t bear the full burden of a workplace injury. The benefits typically include:
Medical treatment: Doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and therapy are covered.
Wage replacement: Workers can receive a portion of their lost wages if they are unable to work due to the injury.
Permanent impairment benefits: If the injury causes lasting loss of function, the worker may receive additional compensation.
Vocational rehabilitation: In some cases, workers may qualify for retraining if they cannot return to their previous job.
Death benefits: If a worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness, the family may receive funeral expenses and compensation.
These benefits can be life-changing, but they’re not always easy to access. That’s where we come in.
What Injured Workers Should Know
Timing matters in workers’ comp cases. Injured workers in Florida must report the injury to their employer within 30 days. Waiting too long can give the insurance company a reason to deny the claim.
Once reported, the employer is supposed to notify their insurance carrier and start the claims process. From there, the injured worker should be sent to a doctor authorized by the insurance company.
In many cases, the worker isn’t allowed to choose their own doctor. If they go to someone outside the workers' comp system, their treatment may not be covered. We help workers understand their rights and make sure they get the medical care they need from authorized providers.
What If the Claim Gets Denied?
It’s not unusual for workers' comp claims in Florida to be denied at first. Insurance companies may argue that the injury didn’t happen at work, that the worker was intoxicated, or that there was a preexisting condition.
When that happens, we’re ready to step in. We help clients file a Petition for Benefits and represent them in front of the Judge of Compensation Claims. This process gives the injured worker a chance to present medical evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments.
We’ve handled hundreds of cases and know how to respond when insurance companies try to downplay or deny legitimate injuries.
Why Legal Help Makes a Difference
At Reese Legal, we work with injured workers every day. We know how stressful it is to deal with pain, missed paychecks, and pressure from employers. Our job is to protect your rights and push back when the system isn’t working the way it should.
Florida workers' comp law is filled with procedures, deadlines, and rules that can feel overwhelming. We deal with all of that so our clients can focus on healing.
At Reese Legal, we’re ready to talk, listen, and take action. We’re proud to serve Orlando, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Call today to get started.