This course is a comprehensive survey of the Florida Workers' Compensation Law. The claims and litigation process is outlined from initial investigation and reporting of the accident through litigation and appeal.

There is a strong emphasis on key defenses, litigation techniques and tactics, and the methods by which employers and carriers can ensure that injured workers are provided all required benefits while simultaneously minimizing costs and exposure.

Fundamental changes in the Florida Workers' Compensation Law are compared and contrasted with previously-established rules and fundamental principles of Florida workers' compensation law.

Learning Objectives

By taking this course, you will learn the ins and outs of how insurance companies operate in Florida. The course is delivered via self-paced, online modules and an end-of-course exam, as described below.

• OVERVIEW OF THE FLORIDA WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT

  This module provides a broad survey of the Florida Workers' Compensation Law. Issues include the definitions of employers and employees, and descriptions of compensable injuries, accidents, and conditions. Threshold notice and reporting requirements are detailed. The categories of temporary and permanent indemnity benefits are outlined, along with explanations of average weekly wage, permanent total disability, and death benefits.

  The requirements for provision of medical care and treatment are set forth in detail along with the important legal standards of preexisting conditions and major contributing cause. Injuries caused by occupational disease and/or exposure are explained.

  The controversial Florida First Responder Law provides an explanation of those employees who are entitled to a special class of workers' compensation benefits. The litigation process is outlined as well.

• HOT TOPICS AND LITIGATED ISSUES

  The 2003 statutory changes to the Florida Workers' Compensation Law have been extensively litigated. There have been fundamental changes in the way medical benefits are claimed and litigated. The role of independent medical examiners has been limited, but the role of expert medical advisers has been expanded.

  This module also addresses technical requirements of raising claims and defenses. The mediation process is set forth in detail, including both the statutory requirements and the subtleties of successfully mediating a claim.

  The technical legal requirements of settlement stipulations are outlined, as well as the frequently overlooked offer of settlement technique. The relationship between permanent total disability and Social Security disability is explained as well.

• KEY DEFENSES AND EVIDENCE

  This module explains the new fraud defense in detail, and outlines more traditional defenses such as intoxication and the injured employee's failure to return to work. Coverage pertaining to employments that do not fall within the Workers' Compensation Act is outlined.

  You will learn how to preserve lien rights when a third party is responsible for injuries sustained on the job. Defenses to medical conditions, such as idiopathic conditions and internal failures, are set forth in detail. There is a lengthy discussion regarding injuries sustained during deviation from employment and recreational activities. Employers liability insurance and Federal Compensation Acts are also addressed. Evidentiary standards and pitfalls are set forth in detail.

• EXAM

  One exam is included in the Florida Workers' Compensation Series. It consists of 50 questions with a 90 minute time period. You must first take the Florida Workers' Compensation Series training modules before taking this exam. You will have one attempt to pass this exam. The pass mark is 70%.

You will receive three months of unlimited access to this package. Upon placing your order, you will receive an email with instructions to access your online training. You may begin immediately!

Note: This course may be taken independently for professional development or in conjunction with other courses to earn the Workers Compensation Specialist (WCS) designation. Click on the hyperlinked item for a full description of the designation.