Seiler -
Florida's workers compensation system is in a crisis. Rates are too high, insurance carriers are too few, and injured worker benefits are too low. This bill will lower rates and make workers compensation insurance more affordable and accessible for small businesses. However, I am still concerned about provisions that will reduce benefits to injured workers, and unreasonably cap attorney's fees.
For example, the new definition of "catastrophic injury" that is used to determine Permanent and Total Disability (PTD), is too limited. Under current law, a worker who suffers a severe brain injury, loss of limb, or total blindness would qualify for Permanent and Total Disability. However, under the new law, these same injuries would not qualify as a "catastrophic injury". This means that many severely injured workers will find their benefits significantly reduced.
Should this legislation be reconsidered during a future special or regular session, we hope to see these provisions amended to take into consideration the needs of Florida's injured workers.