Florida’s Heart and Lung Bill provides disability benefits to first responders who develop certain heart and lung conditions. The law presumes that these conditions are work-related, which simplifies the process for you to receive workers’ compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
At Bichler & Longo, our attorneys have extensive experience helping first responders apply for and receive Heart Bill benefits in Florida. We can help collect and organize medical records, job descriptions, and other relevant documentation so you can receive all the benefits you are entitled to.
The Florida Heart and Lung Bill primarily benefits first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and correctional officers, who were diagnosed with heart disease, hypertension, or tuberculosis due to their job. It reduces the burden of proof you would otherwise have to meet in order to receive typical workers’ compensation.
Once you develop one of these conditions and meet the eligibility criteria, the law presumes that the condition is a direct result of your work. Despite this, employers and insurance companies can attempt to refute this by presenting evidence that it was caused by factors other than your job.
Our attorneys can help you understand your rights under the Heart and Lung Bill, presenting the necessary evidence to support your claim, and represent you in legal proceedings or negotiations. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure you receive the full benefits that you qualify for.
If you are covered under the Heart Bill, you are entitled to medical benefits, including coverage for expenses like medication and surgical care, if needed. You are also covered for treatment that is necessary to address your condition.
You are entitled to lost wage benefits for as long as you are out of work, which can include impairment benefits and even permanent disability benefits in some cases. Wage loss is a temporary benefit which you can receive for up to five years, or until your doctor says you are at maximum medical improvement (MMI). Once this happens, they will assign you an impairment rating. This is where wage loss benefits stop. You will either have to return to work or qualify for permanent disability benefits.
If your employer has light duty available and you get paid your normal hourly rate for a workweek, there are typically no additional benefits you can receive from workers’ compensation. But there are exceptions: if you are earning 80% of your pre-injury wages in your light duty job, an attorney can evaluate whether you may be entitled to benefits.
Public safety officer benefits are payments that a dependent (such as spouse or child) are entitled to after the injury or death of a first responder. These benefits can include health insurance, college or education benefits, and monetary payments. Federal benefits are usually payable in a lump sum, while state benefits include health insurance, educational benefits, and can also include temporary support for dependents of a first responder who passed away.
While Florida’s Heart Bill is supposed to provide benefits for public safety workers with job-related heart and lung conditions, you may still run into challenges. Sadly, eligibility questions and claim denials are not uncommon.
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can manage the claims process and handle any appeals, advocating for your rights at each step. Contact us today to request your free case consultation and learn more about the benefits you could receive!