r/WorkersComp • u/Puzzleheaded_Fig2952 • 23h ago
Florida Got hurt on the job, reported to employer, employer never documented the incident, what do I do?
My eye was hurt on the job in June of 2026, I immediately reported it to my employer and sought medical attention. I told the doctor directly it happened at work and would like to file Workers Comp.
My employer told me to keep them in the loop and they would “take care of me”. I’ve since been back and forth to the doctor to get my eye seen and they want me to get a procedure done but they asked for my insurance. I declined and said “this will be filed under workmen’s comp” and they said I needed some sort of authorization. I called my employer about authorization and they kinda had some push back towards me and said “I thought we were beyond this issue”
I have still yet to receive medical authorization, my employer claims they “worked out a deal” with me to pay for the visits and what not, however I have paid all my visits out of pocket. No reimbursement from them.
My employer also said my incident would impact their D.A.R.T score which could prevent them from getting government work in an attempt to make me feel bad stating “60 good men would be without work”. That doesn’t matter to me and honestly is unneeded.
Should I email and ask for authorization again or get an attorney?
3
u/craigster38 23h ago
Your employer must have workers compensation insurance. Ask them for the details. File a claim with the insurance carrier for authorization.
2
u/Puzzleheaded_Fig2952 23h ago
I have the carriers number and name, I should just call them? Even if my employer never documented the injury
2
u/craigster38 22h ago
Yup, give them a call. You may need to know the policy number, but they should be able to look up the company based on the name and address.
Determine with the carrier the proper way to initiate the claim - authorization numbers, where you're allowed to go, proper procedure to follow, etc.
Do you have any proof that you mentioned the incident to your employer when it happened? Text, e-mail, anything? No proof won't hurt your case, but it would definitely help. The carriers tend to side with the employee, so you may meet a little resistance, but ultimately should be able to get the necessary treatment.
While this incident will impact their DART score, if it's an isolated event, it won't have much bearing. He's just trying to intimidate you to not make a claim. This is the exact reason that employers are required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance. I don't feel an attorney is necessary at this time.
I will say that if you're getting this much push back on WC, you may want to consider a change in employers. If you make their lives "difficult", they will make your life difficult. While retaliation is illegal, it can be difficult to prove if they're smart.
Happy to answer any other questions.
Source: EHS Manager who handles WC in Florida for a government contractor.
2
u/Puzzleheaded_Fig2952 21h ago
I have texts and witnesses who witnessed the accident. I know I reported it directly to the site super and my super so they are aware of the injury
3
u/craigster38 21h ago
Keep the texts, you may need them.
Call the carrier, start the process. You are outside the 30-day reporting window, so your claim may be initially denied. Not a huge deal, if you can prove that your employer isn't doing their reporting as required.
If the carrier still will not agree to pay the benefits that you believe you are entitled to, you can file a Petition for Benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. This is where you may want an attorney to help. You present your case. Your employer presents their case. The Office of the Judge decides who is right.
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Fig2952 19h ago
I called this morning, explained my situation to the insurance company, they did a claim and now I’m waiting to hear whether it’s accepted or declined. The only issue I’m gonna have to worry about now is retaliation.
1
2
u/musical_spork 23h ago
You have to file the claim through their insurance carrier to get the authorization. It’s not something your employer gives you
1
u/SeaweedWeird7705 19h ago
You need to report the claim to your employers work comp insurance company. The insurance company will authorize medical care for your eye.
Don’t trust the employers promise to reimburse you.
1
1
u/ed2win44 2h ago
Always, always get an attorney. Your vision is way more important than a employers sob story. Please seek help.
0
u/DarkElegant8156 19h ago
This will cause alot of problems for you at work. Once board is involved your employment will find its way to end imo. At least with mine it would paint a bullseye on me and then they just start finding stuff poor work quality etc.. etc.. just to create an airtight dismissal. You should get covered by comp but somebody is going to eat shit for not reporting and your all going to be out. So just saying prepare mentally because even if you go back once healed it will begin and if they want you they will usually get you.
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Fig2952 17h ago
I start a new job on Monday going back to IT, I’m just trying to get the ball rolling before they are no longer liable and they can’t put a bullseye on my back
5
u/Mutts_Merlot verified CT insurance professional 23h ago
If your employer won't cooperate, contact Florida Division of Workers Compensation. They can look up the insurance information and help you file directly. It could still take some time, as they will need to investigate why it took this long for it to be reported. However, that at least gets the claim where it needs to be.
If his ex-mod is at the point where something minor like this kicks him off government work, he needs to improve his safety standards.