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The Time Limit To Receive Medical Treatment Or File For Workers’ Comp

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 out.

Call Us Today If You Are Unsure About Where To Start

Time is of the essence. The attorneys at Christopher J. Smith, P.A., in Tampa, will guide you through the process to claim, protect and obtain your workers’ compensation benefits. We have helped injured workers like you since 1989. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation at 813-513-0327 or fill out our secure intake form.