If you’ve been injured on the job and are unable to work, you may be wondering when the financial support will begin. Workers’ compensation is designed to cover a portion of your lost wages, but when those payments actually begin depends on several factors, including the extent of your injury and the state in which you file your claim. 

At RTRLAW, our experienced workers’ comp attorneys help injured employees across Florida navigate the process and ensure they receive the full benefits they’re entitled to. Understanding the breakdown of when wage replacement begins, how it’s calculated, and what to do if there are delays will make all the difference when looking to secure the benefits you deserve. 

What Is the Waiting Period for Lost Wage Benefits in Florida? 

After a workplace injury, many employees expect immediate financial support, but that’s not always the case. Workers’ compensation benefits, especially wage replacement, are subject to a waiting period designed to determine the severity and longevity of your condition. Understanding how this waiting period works is the first step in managing your claim. 

In Florida, the waiting period is laid out as follows: 

  • You must miss at least 7 days of work due to your injury before lost wage benefits begin. 
  • If you miss more than 21 days, you can retroactively receive payment for the first 7 days. 

These rules are designed to prioritize compensation for workers with more serious injuries while minimizing administrative strain for short-term cases. 

Once you’ve cleared this waiting period, it’s important to understand what kind of benefits you may qualify for and how they are calculated. 

What Type of Lost Wage Benefits Are Available?

After you’re cleared past the waiting period, the type of benefit you receive will depend on how your injury affects your ability to work. These classifications help determine how much compensation you’re eligible for under the workers’ comp system: 

  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is provided when you’re completely unable to work due to your injury. 
  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) kicks in if you can return to work but in a limited capacity and with reduced earnings. 
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD) is paid if your injury permanently prevents you from working in any capacity. 
  • Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs in FL) begins once your doctor says you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and are still impaired. 

These categories help insurance carriers and attorneys determine the right level of support for your situation. Once your benefit type is established, the next step is understanding how much you’ll receive. 

How Much Will You Receive in Lost Wages? 

While workers’ comp helps injured workers avoid financial devastation, it does not replace your full income. Instead, your benefit amount is calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage (AWW) prior to the injury. 

In Florida, workers usually receive 66 2/3% of their AWW if they are completely unable to work, subject to a statewide maximum weekly cap. To put it into perspective, if you earned $900 per week and your doctor places you on TTD, you may receive around $600 per week in benefits, depending on Florida’s weekly cap. 

Understanding this calculation is key to managing your finances and knowing what amount to expect in your check. However, there are factors that can delay your payments even if you qualify. 

What Can Delay Your Lost Wage Payments?

Even with a valid claim, wage replacement benefits can be delayed due to a variety of issues. Knowing these ahead of time can help you take steps to avoid them. Some examples are: 

  • Incomplete paperwork or delayed reporting of the injury 
  • Disputes over whether the injury is work-related 
  • Delays in medical documentation or reaching Maximum Medical Improvement 
  • Employer or insurance carrier challenges to your claim 

If you’re facing issues with your lost wage payments, contacting a workers’ comp attorney can make a difference when trying to prevent delays and secure your benefits as quickly as possible. 

How Do You Ensure You Receive Your Lost Wages? 

Timely action and proper documentation can streamline the process and ensure your lost wage benefits start as soon as possible. Here’s what you can do: 

  • Report Your Injury Immediately: Tell your supervisor or HR department in writing as soon as the injury occurs. 
  • Seek Prompt Medical Attention: Visit an approved workers’ comp doctor who can document your injuries clearly. 
  • Follow All Treatment Plans: Compliance shows that you’re taking recovery seriously. 
  • Stay in Communication: Keep your employer and insurance carrier updated about your condition and work status. 
  • Hire an Attorney: A lawyer can help if there are disputes, delays, or if the insurance company is underpaying or denying benefits. 

These proactive steps can make all the difference. But if you’re already experiencing issues or want to maximize your benefits, legal help may be your next step. 

Let RTRLAW Help You Recover the Lost Wages You Deserve!

Navigating the workers’ compensation system alone can be overwhelming, especially when your paycheck is on the line. At RTRLAW, our experienced attorneys are here to lift that burden and fight to ensure you get paid fairly and on time. 

RTRLAW can help. We can: 

  • Assist in filing your claim and help avoid common delays 
  • Ensure your Average Weekly Wage is calculated correctly 
  • Fight for full back pay and future wage replacement 
  • Represent you in disputes with the insurance company 
  • Handle appeals if your benefits are wrongfully denied 

We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. 

If you’ve missed work due to an injury and haven’t started receiving wage replacement benefits, don’t wait any longer. Call RTRLAW at 1-833-HIRE-RTR or contact us online today for a free consultation. Let our skilled team fight to get your lost wages paid on time and in full.