Florida Workers' Compensation Series & Exam
This series is a comprehensive survey of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Law. The claims and litigation process is outlined from initial investigation and reporting of the accident through litigation and appeal. There is a strong emphasis on key defenses, litigation techniques and tactics, and the methods by which employers and carriers can ensure that injured workers are provided all required benefits while simultaneously minimizing costs and exposure. Fundamental changes in the Florida Workers’ Compensation Law, implemented in 2003, are compared and contrasted with previously-established rules and fundamental principles of Florida workers’ compensation law. This course is self paced and includes approximately two hours of visual and audio instruction. Updated 2008
FLORIDA WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Learn the ins and outs of how insurance companies operate in Florida. This module covers the technical aspects of insurance in Florida including how insurance underwriters determine the premium employers pay and what factors drive up the cost of a workers’ compensation insurance policy.
LEGAL MODULE 1: OVERVIEW OF THE FLORIDA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT
This module provides a broad survey of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Law. Issues include the definitions of employers and employees, and descriptions of compensable injuries, accidents, and conditions. Threshold notice and reporting requirements are detailed. The categories of temporary and permanent indemnity benefits are outlined, along with explanations of average weekly wage, permanent total disability, and death benefits. The requirements for provision of medical care and treatment are set forth in detail along with the important legal standards of preexisting conditions and major contributing cause. Injuries caused by occupational disease and/or exposure are explained. The controversial Florida First Responder Law provides an explanation of those employees who are entitled to a special class of workers’ compensation benefits. The litigation process is outlined as well.
LEGAL MODULE 2: HOT TOPICS AND LITIGATED ISSUES
The 2003 statutory changes to the Florida Workers’ Compensation Law have been extensively litigated. There have been fundamental changes in the way medical benefits are claimed and litigated. The role of independent medical examiners has been limited, but the role of expert medical advisers has been expanded. This module also addresses technical requirements of raising claims and defenses. The mediation process is set forth in detail, including both the statutory requirements and the subtleties of successfully mediating a claim. The technical legal requirements of settlement stipulations are outlined, as well as the frequently overlooked offer of settlement technique. The relationship between permanent total disability and Social Security disability is explained as well.
LEGAL MODULE 3: KEY DEFENSES AND EVIDENCE
This module explains the new fraud defense in detail, and outlines more traditional defenses such as intoxication and the injured employee’s failure to return to work. Coverage pertaining to employments that do not fall within the Workers’ Compensation Act is outlined. You will learn how to preserve lien rights when a third party is responsible for injuries sustained on the job. Defenses to medical conditions, such as idiopathic conditions and internal failures, are set forth in detail. There is a lengthy discussion regarding injuries sustained during deviation from employment and recreational activities. Employers liability insurance and Federal Compensation Acts are also addressed. Evidentiary standards and pitfalls are set forth in detail.
LEGAL MODULE 4: THE FLORIDA WORKERS' COMPENSATION UPDATE
This live or recorded Webinar provides up-to-the-minute information on new Florida court cases, Florida administrative decisions and legislative changes. You can choose to attend the annual live session or view a recorded version at a more convenient date throughout the year to complete your Florida WCS designation or keep it up-to-date.
Exam:
One exam is included in the Florida Workers' Compensation Series. It consists of 50 questions with a 90 minute time period.
You must first take the Florida Workers' Compensation Series training modules before taking this exam. You will have one attempt to pass this exam. The pass mark is 70%
About the firm
Ross Vecchio, LLC
Ross Vecchio is one of Central Florida's preeminent workers' compensation defense firms. The firm represents a variety of Florida insurance carriers and employers in the areas of workers' compensation, general liability, and other insurance related matters.
Ross Vecchio is A/V rated in Martindale-Hubbell. Representative clients include Wal-Mart, State Farm, Publix Supermarkets, Summit Consulting, and FCCI Insurance Group. Thomas Vecchio, the author of the series, has been practicing law since 1992. The primary focus of Mr. Vecchio's current practice is workers' compensation defense. He has been Board Certified in Workers' Compensation since 2002. He currently serves on the Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Board Certification Exam committee. Mr. Vecchio was named a Florida Super Lawyer in 2007, and is pursuing the CPCU designation conferred by the Insurance Institute of America.
