All too often, workers are under the impression that they are only entitled to file for workers’ compensation benefits if they sustain harm in certain ways or in certain places. In reality, because the workers’ comp system in Florida isn’t fault-based, there are very few restrictions applied when an employee who is covered by workers’ comp insurance applies for benefits.
Provided that a worker has coverage, the main concern that an insurance claims adjuster will concern themselves with is whether the harm in question was caused by work-related activity. This means that employees are generally entitled to benefits whether they were hurt on-site, off-site, while traveling or while working remotely.
Remote occupational harm can be harder to prove, just as repetitive trauma can be harder to prove than harm caused by occupational accidents. However, just because a case is more complex doesn’t mean that it won’t be successful.
Taking action
By understanding the broad eligibility that applies to the workers’ compensation system in Florida, more employees may be inspired to seek any benefits that rightfully belong to them. With that said, it is important to keep in mind that proving occupational harm that has occurred remotely can be far more challenging than proving that an onsite accident witnessed by co-workers is related to someone’s employment.
As a result of how challenging it can be to prove remote occupational harm, it is generally a good idea for affected workers to seek legal guidance as soon as they can after sustaining an injury or developing an occupational illness. Applying for workers’ comp benefits is an unusually time-sensitive process and those who have been harmed need to act quickly to secure what they are rightfully owed.
