How Much Does Workers' Comp Pay in Miami?
In Florida, many injured workers get 66 2/3% of their average weekly wage, up to $1,358 per week in 2026, after a work injury. The exact amount they receive depends on several details of the case.
For example, state agencies consider whether the claimant can fully work, work with restrictions, or has a permanent injury, each with its own benefit formula. Insurance companies calculate these numbers and sometimes get them wrong. In this page, we will go over how workers’ comp is calculated and how much you can expect for your specific claim.
Reviewed by: James D. Payer
Table of Contents
- What Do You Get Paid if You Can’t Work at All? (TTD)
- What Do You Get Paid if You Can Work, but Not Your Normal Job? (TPD)
- What Happens to Your Payments After You Reach Maximum Recovery?
- What Do You Get Paid if You Can Never Go Back To Work? (PTD)
- Will Workers’ Comp Pay All Your Medical Bills?
- Will Workers’ Comp Pay Families Death Benefits?
- What Can Lower Your Workers’ Comp Payments?
- How Much Can You Receive in a Miami Workers’ Comp Settlement?
What Do You Get Paid if You Can’t Work at All? (TTD)
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are paid when a doctor says you cannot work at all, equal to 66 2/3% of AWW, and lasting up to 104 weeks. These benefits stop when the worker returns to work, hits the 104-week cap, or reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
MMI occurs when a doctor confirms the worker has reached maximum healing. However, insurers often push to end TTD benefits early, which can significantly impact the injured person’s case. This makes it imperative to know and understand your rights.
What Do You Get Paid if You Can Work, but Not Your Normal Job? (TPD)
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) applies when a doctor allows light or part-time work, but the worker earns less than their pre-injury wage. TPD benefits equal 80% of the difference between 80% of the pre-injury AWW and current earnings.
TPD Example
- Pre-injury wage (AWW): $1,000 per week
- 80% of AWW: $1,000 × 0.8 = $800
- Current earnings: $500 per week
- Difference: $800 − $500 = $300
- TPD benefit: $300 × 0.8 = $240 per week
- Total weekly pay: $500 + $240 = $740
Refusing a reasonable light-duty offer without cause can result in the loss of benefits entirely. Additionally, keep in mind that TPD and TTD benefits share the 104-week cap.
What Happens to Your Payments After You Reach Maximum Recovery?
Once a patient reaches MMI, their doctor will assign an Impairment Rating, a percentage of permanent damage. This determines Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs), which pay 75% of the TTD rate for a set number of weeks based on the impairment rating.
It is important to understand that the doctor who determines these important elements is chosen and paid by the insurance company. Unfortunately, this creates an incentive for low ratings, and even a 1% difference can mean thousands of dollars less in benefits.
An experienced attorney can contest a low rating by requesting an independent medical exam to secure a fair outcome. Consider speaking with a member of our team today to learn more about your rights in a workers’ comp case.
What Do You Get Paid if You Can Never Go Back To Work? (PTD)
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits go to workers whose injuries prevent them from ever returning to work. Florida law lists specific injuries that qualify for PTD, such as paralysis, loss of two limbs, or loss of eyesight.
PTD pays 66 2/3% of AWW and can continue for life or until age 75, which differs from the 104-week cap on TTD. PTD cases carry life-changing consequences, and due to the high stakes, workers almost always benefit from experienced legal representation.
Will Workers’ Comp Pay All Your Medical Bills?
In Florida, workers’ comp covers injury-related medical care, such as doctor visits, surgery, therapy, prescriptions, equipment, and mileage, but only through the insurer’s authorized network. Insurers often challenge whether treatments are “medically necessary,” which can delay or deny essential care. If you or your loved one has been injured while on the job and treatment is continuously denied or stalled, our attorneys can step in to help. Reach out today for a free consultation.
Will Workers’ Comp Pay Families Death Benefits?
In cases involving a wrongful death, eligible dependents can receive 50% of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage (AWW), or 66 2/3% if there are dependent children, along with funeral and burial costs up to Florida’s current capped limit. Spousal benefits continue until remarriage, at which point a lump sum may be paid, with all amounts capped at the statewide wage limit.
Grieving families should not have to fight back against insurer tactics alone. Our compassionate attorneys at Payer Law can manage the entire claim on your behalf, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on healing.
What Can Lower Your Workers’ Comp Payments?
It is important to know how to protect yourself during the workers’ comp process. This can help you avoid a lower payout than you deserve.
- Late injury reporting: Delaying your report can reduce benefits because some payments depend on timely notice.
- Missed medical appointments: Skipping appointments may limit or suspend benefits since treatment documentation is required.
- Returning to work prematurely: Going back too soon can lower benefits if your partial recovery affects your earnings.
- Receiving SSDI: Getting Social Security Disability can reduce workers’ comp payouts due to Florida’s offset rules.
Benefits can also be reduced or denied for alleged misconduct, like intoxication or safety violations, or if the insurer disputes whether the injury is work-related. With the right guidance, many of these pitfalls can be avoided or challenged, and an attorney can ensure they are not used unfairly against the worker.
How Much Can You Receive in a Miami Workers’ Comp Settlement?
Many cases settle as a lump sum, with amounts depending on injury severity, remaining benefits, future medical needs, age, and earning capacity. The final payout can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands in serious cases.
Handling your claim with care is crucial, as settlements are permanent. You are essentially signing away future benefits and medical coverage, making it critical to ensure any offer is fair before accepting.
Before agreeing to any settlement, speak with a Miami workers’ comp attorney at Payer Law. A free consultation helps you understand your rights and options, giving you the confidence to make the best decisions for your future. Call us today at (305) 363-7099 to speak with James D. Payer or another trusted member of our team.
12000 Biscayne Blvd STE 503
Miami, FL 33181
(305) 363-7099
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
