Legal Question in Workers Comp in Florida

Workers Compensation Law

I am an employer in Florida. I hire only documented workers. Many of my competitors and subcontractors are not so inclined and it lowers their costs. I pay the w/c premiums for any subs I hire that do not have their own, but recently, one of the workers of one of my subs was injured on the job and was denied service at the w/c clinic since he did not have a valid SS#. I ended up paying for his treatment at a hospital even though I have been paying for w/c for him and others like him for years. Fortunately, his injury was minor, but my concern was raised over the issue. What if it was major? I couldn't afford a major hospital bill and I would probably be sued. I want to protect my company, my customers, and my customers' customers. So, now I screen my subs to make sure that they all have SS#'s. Are there any cases like this with illegals and w/c? Any articles? I am looking for something to use for marketing my business in my area to warn my customers and potential customers of the dangers of not screening your subs and their subs. It could help my business compete with those who don't play by the rules. Anything already out there in print? Anything that can be printed? Thanks


Asked on 2/13/08, 11:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Zientz Law Offices of Mark L. Zientz, P.A.

Re: Workers Compensation Law

Florida law requires that even illegals are entitled to compensation and medical care if injured on a job. I suspect it is good business to make sure your workers and those you might have to cover is a sub is uninsured are legal. You should be entitled to be reimbursed whatever you spent on medical care from the carrier that was on the risk.

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Answered on 2/13/08, 1:51 pm


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