How long do I have to report a work injury in Florida?

Report the injury to your employer within 30 days. A petition for benefits generally must be filed within 2 years of the injury, or within 1 year of the last payment of benefits or authorized medical care, whichever is later.

I was hurt on the docks. Is that state workers' comp?

It depends. Some maritime and port workers are covered by the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act instead of, or in addition to, Florida workers' comp. Which system applies affects your benefits, so get the question answered early.

What does it cost to hire Kotler Law?

Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we win. In Florida workers' compensation cases, attorney's fees are regulated by statute and are typically paid from benefits recovered or by the employer/carrier.

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Jacksonville Workers' Comp Guide for Port, Trucking, and Trade Workers

Leave a Comment / Workers Comp / Yuli Kotler / Posted October 27, 2026 at 9:00 AM EDT

Jacksonville is a logistics hub, with the port, rail yards, interstate trucking, and large distribution centers, plus major hospitals and military-related employers. Loading, driving, and warehouse work lead to back, knee, and shoulder injuries that carriers often fight.

Kotler Law represents injured workers in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Florida workers' compensation law is the same statewide, and we work with clients across the state by phone and video.

Common work injuries we see in Jacksonville

Most of our Jacksonville and Duval County clients work in these fields:

Port, rail, and shipping
Trucking and delivery
Warehouses and distribution centers
Hospitals and health care
Construction and manufacturing

What to do after a work injury in Jacksonville

Report it in writing within 30 days. Tell your supervisor what happened, when, and which body parts were hurt. Keep a copy.
Get authorized medical care. In an emergency, go to the ER. Otherwise ask the employer or carrier which doctor is authorized, since unauthorized care may not be paid.
Be careful with recorded statements. The adjuster may ask for one early. Inaccurate or incomplete answers are often used later to deny benefits.
Track your lost time and wages. Wage benefits are generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a state maximum, and depend on your doctor's work restrictions.
Talk to a workers' comp lawyer before you sign anything. Settlements usually close out future medical care, so know what you are giving up.

Meeting with Kotler Law

Jacksonville clients typically work with us by phone and video, with in-person meetings available at our St. Petersburg office.

Kotler Law, PLLC – St. Petersburg Office
9800 4th St N, Suite 200
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
(813) 473-2618

Related decisions on our blog

Jacksonville workers' comp FAQ

How long do I have to report a work injury in Florida?: Report the injury to your employer within 30 days. A petition for benefits generally must be filed within 2 years of the injury, or within 1 year of the last payment of benefits or authorized medical care, whichever is later.
I was hurt on the docks. Is that state workers' comp?: It depends. Some maritime and port workers are covered by the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act instead of, or in addition to, Florida workers' comp. Which system applies affects your benefits, so get the question answered early.
What does it cost to hire Kotler Law?: Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we win. In Florida workers' compensation cases, attorney's fees are regulated by statute and are typically paid from benefits recovered or by the employer/carrier.

Hurt at work in Jacksonville? Request a free consultation or call (813) 473-2618. There is no fee unless we win.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its facts.