Insurers Express Disappointment in Today’s Workers Compensation Ruling

Tallahassee, FL-Today, the Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the in the anticipated Westphal v. City of St. Petersburg Case where plaintiffs claim that the state’s 104 week cap on temporary total disability benefits unconstitutional. The following statement can be attributed to Logan McFaddin, regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

“PCI and our members are disappointed in today’s decision as it could significantly hurt the Florida business community.

“The Florida workers compensation system provides essential benefits to injured workers in a timely, efficient, and economically sound manner and the wage-replacement benefit system balances the interests of employees and employers. We continue to support the 2003 Florida workers compensation reforms that were put in place to protect the interests of employees, as well as help control costs for business owners.

“It’s important that the legal framework for accommodating the medical needs and replacement income for employees is preserved, while fostering a healthy marketplace for job creators in the state of Florida.”