Statute of limitations

Statute of Limitations - Applies to all workers' compensation claims involving injuries after 1/1/94

Under the Florida Workers' Compensation Act, there is an initial two-year statute of limitations, followed by a one year statute of limitations. The initial two-year statute of limitations requires the injured worker to either receive authorized medical or indemnity benefits, or file a Petition for Benefits seeking appropriate benefits, within two years of the date of their work comp accident. Thereafter, the statute is converted to a one-year statute of limitations. This means the individual must never allow a year or more to pass without receiving treatment from an authorized provider. A provider is only authorized if he or she has been specifically approved by the workers' compensation insurance company to provide treatment for the injured worker in the context of a particular case. An individual is not permitted to receive treatment from a provider who is not authorized. If the individual allows a year or more to pass without receiving treatment from an authorized provider, the case will be closed through the Statute of Limitations. This means that any right to future money benefits or medical treatment would be extinguished, and the claimant would be left with no further workers' compensation rights or benefits.

It is for this reason that it is best for an injured worker to make certain he/she does now allow even six months to pass without receiving treatment from an authorized provider. In that way, there would be no risk of having the Statute of Limitations run.

Read more - Rights to Independent Medical Exams

 

Disclaimer

The information contained in this FAQ section is intended to familiarize an individual with the general laws impacting individuals in Florida. It is not intended to apply to your specific case, and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have questions regarding your specific circumstances, please feel free to call for a free consultation.