Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida: How They Coordinate With Workers’ Compensation

If you get hurt on the job in Florida and can’t work for a year or longer, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may also be entitled to payment through employer-provided long-term disability (LTD) coverage. Great, right? But then the paperwork starts piling up. The insurance adjuster says your LTD benefits might be reduced. You may even be asked to repay part of what you were paid. And now you’re wondering: Why is this so complicated?

If you’re dealing with both workers’ compensation and long-term disability benefits, you’re not alone. And yes, these two systems can work together, but not always the way you’d expect. Our experienced Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer can help you make sense of the overlap and avoid costly mistakes before they happen.

Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida and Workers’ Comp: Why the Math Doesn’t Always Add Up

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) advises that close to half of all workers are eligible for long-term disability insurance through their employer. The idea behind it is simple: if you can’t work due to injury or illness, the policy pays part of your salary.

Workers’ compensation works similarly if your injury happened on the job. However, what injured workers in Florida often don’t realize is that if you’re getting workers’ compensation benefits, it could impact your rights in an LTD claim. Common frustrations claimants run into:

• Surprise reductions in LTD payments once workers’ comp is approved;
• Delays because the LTD insurer waits to see what workers’ comp will pay;
• Repayment demands if LTD was paid while a retroactive workers’ compensation award was pending;
• Conflicting rules about disability definitions and treatment requirements.

Protecting Your Rights To Florida Long-Term Disability Benefits When Injured On The Job

If you suffer long-term disabilities due to job-related injuries or illnesses, you may be entitled to benefits through employer-provided LTD insurance and workers’ compensation. The best way to protect yourself is to get organized and understand how your policies interact:

• Get a copy of your LTD policy. Under ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), employers must provide these documents, free of charge and at your request.
• Report both claims promptly and keep copies of every letter you receive.
• Don’t cash a lump sum workers’ comp settlement without first talking to a lawyer, especially if you’re also receiving LTD.
• Let each insurer know about the other. Failure to disclose can lead to denial or repayment demands.

The longer you wait, the fewer options you may have, especially if your LTD benefits are terminated or you’re facing a repayment letter.

To Protect Your Benefits, Contact Our Experienced Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer

At Farrell Disability Law, we have decades of experience helping injured workers. We understand how employer-provided LTD insurance intersects with workers’ comp and fight to get you the maximum amount you deserve.

Don’t attempt to navigate this complex situation alone. To speak with our Florida long-term disability lawyer, request a consultation today in our Jacksonville or Orlando office.

Sources:

bls.gov/opub/ted/2020/short-term-and-long-term-disability-insurance-for-civilian-workers-in-2020.htm

dol.gov/general/topic/retirement/erisa