How Long Does Workers’ Comp Last? A Timeline Breakdown by Injury Type
When you’re hurt on the job and facing recovery, the questions often pile up: How long will my benefits last? When do they end? What happens after that? If you’ve been injured on the job in South Florida, it's important to know what workers' compensation benefits you have and how long they will last.
At the Law Office of Olivia Devonmille, P.A., in Vero Beach, Florida, my firm has helped many individuals from the Treasure Coast and Space Coast through these difficult times. I understand how overwhelming it can be when your benefits are called into question. With years of experience in Florida workers' compensation law, I can help you understand how long your benefits may last, depending on your type of injury so that you can make better-informed decisions about your care.
What Determines How Long Workers’ Compensation Lasts
Workers' compensation benefits can last for different periods depending on the type of injury you sustained. Every case is different, and knowing these variables can give you a better idea of what to expect. Some of the factors that are commonly used to estimate how long your benefits might last include:
The severity of your injury: More serious injuries often mean a longer time off work or a longer recovery, which can extend your benefits.
Medical treatment and recovery progression: When you reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI) and your doctor provides an impairment rating, some benefits may end while some may still continue.
Whether you’re totally disabled, partially disabled, or able to return to work with restrictions: If you can return to work in any capacity, the benefit type and duration may change.
Florida statutory rules and deadlines: For example, you generally have a two‑year window from the date of injury—or when you reasonably should have known about it—to file a claim. If more than one year passes without authorized medical treatment or benefit payments, your rights may be affected.
Type of benefit under the law: Temporary total disability (TTD), temporary partial disability (TPD), permanent impairment (PPD), or permanent total disability (PTD). Each has different duration rules.
Knowing these factors can help you ask the right questions, such as “Am I in TTD or PPD?” or “When will my medical treatment phase end?” At the Law Office of Olivia Devonmille, P.A., I’m here to help you answer these questions and make informed decisions about your benefits and recovery.
Timeline Breakdown by Injury Type
Every workplace injury is unique, and the length of benefits can vary depending on your treatment, recovery, and the type of work you do. While the exact duration of benefits can vary, the general timelines for different types of injuries under Florida law are as follows.
Minor Injury (No Major Loss of Work Time)
For minor injuries, such as a sprain, a minor cut, or an injury that doesn’t keep you out of work for long, workers' compensation benefits are usually shorter. According to Florida Statutes, the typical benefit duration for minor injuries is a few weeks to a few months. In these cases, the typical timeline includes:
Initial treatment phase: The first few days to a few weeks after the injury for medical care.
Return to work: If you return within this period, you may exit the TTD category.
Impairment rating (if any): After treatment, if your doctor says your condition won’t improve much further, you might receive a small permanent impairment rating.
Benefit end: Indemnity benefits usually end if you’re back at work, though medical benefits may continue briefly.
Moderate Injury (Work Time Loss But Expected Recovery)
Injuries that require time off work, therapy, or more intensive medical care—but are expected to improve—fall into this category. Florida Statutes report that moderate injuries often take 6 to 18 months to resolve. The typical timeline for these injuries includes:
Off work with TTD: You receive temporary total disability benefits while you can't work.
Return to restricted or full duty: Once your doctor clears you for work, temporary total disability (TTD) ends, and you may receive temporary partial disability (TPD) or permanent impairment benefits.
MMI and impairment rating: Once your condition stabilizes, your doctor will assign you an impairment rating.
Settlement or case closure: After you reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI), your case will often move toward settlement or closure.
Serious Injury (Long Recovery & Possible Permanent Effects)
Severe injuries, such as fractures, surgeries, amputations, or spinal injuries, can extend the benefit timeline significantly. For severe injuries, benefits may last several years, or in catastrophic cases, for life. The typical timeline for severe injury cases includes the following.
Extended TTD phase: Depending on the severity, you may be out of work for many months or longer.
Transition to permanent benefits: If you can’t return to work, your case may move into permanent impairment or PTD.
Permanent impairment or PTD: If you can't return to work at all, you may receive permanent total disability benefits, sometimes until a statutory age limit.
Medical treatment continues: You remain eligible for authorized medical treatment as long as your condition is compensable.
Settlement: Settlements for serious injuries often focus on lifetime medical care or significant impairment.
What Happens When You Reach MMI?
When your doctor states that you've reached your maximum medical improvement (MMI), this means that you are not expected to improve significantly any further than you already have. Reaching your MMI can significantly impact your workers' compensation benefits in a few ways:
Your temporary total disability (TTD) or temporary partial disability (TPD) typically ends.
Your doctor will assign you a permanent impairment rating, if applicable.
Settlement or resolution discussions typically begin.
Reaching your MMI will vary depending on the type of injury you sustained, which is why timelines differ from case to case. However, this is typically the time when certain workers' comp benefits end and settlement discussions take over.
Workers' Compensation Benefits FAQ
Many people feel uncertain about how long they’ll receive benefits or worry about what happens if their recovery takes longer than expected. It’s normal to have these concerns, and asking the right questions early can make a considerable difference in managing your claim effectively.
What if I go back to work part‑time?
Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits usually stop if you return to work in a restricted capacity. If you are required to return to work, you may be able to move into TPD or permanent impairment benefits. An experienced attorney can help you determine the correct approach.
Does the two‑year statute of limitations affect how long I get benefits?
The two‑year window applies to filing a workers' compensation claim, not how long your benefits will last. Your benefits can continue if you’re still disabled or under treatment.
How long can I receive TTD benefits?
TTD benefits generally last until you reach MMI or can return to work. Florida allows up to 260 weeks for specific injuries, but many cases finish sooner.
What if I’m permanently disabled?
If you’re permanently or totally disabled, you may receive workers' compensation benefits indefinitely until a statutory age limit. If you are not totally disabled, permanent impairment benefits may apply for a set number of weeks.
Reach Out to a Workers' Compensation Attorney Today
Being injured on the job can often lead to considerable recovery times, and workers' compensation is designed to help with your expenses during this period. At the Law Office of Olivia Devonmille, P.A., I have experience handling workers' compensation claims. I can help you understand your claim, protect your benefits, and guide you through the process.
Located in Vero Beach, Florida, I serve clients in Sebastian, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Viera, and throughout the greater Indian River County, St. Lucie County, and Brevard County. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation.