Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance helps protect your business and your employees when workplace injuries or illnesses occur. Whether you’re managing a job site in Florida or running a retail shop in Virginia, this coverage plays a critical role in keeping your business compliant and your team supported.
Safeguarding Employees and Your Business
Injuries on the job happen—whether it’s a fall from a ladder, a strain from lifting, or an accident in the kitchen. Workers’ compensation insurance helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs so employees can recover while your business keeps moving. For business owners in Florida and Virginia, this coverage is not just important—it’s often required by law.
At Pelican Shield Insurance Group, we help businesses understand how workers’ comp fits into their overall risk management strategy and what’s needed to stay in compliance with state laws.
Why Workers’ Compensation Coverage Matters
No business is immune to workplace accidents. This coverage helps protect your team and your finances.
Meet State Requirements
Both Florida and Virginia require coverage once you reach a certain number of employees, depending on your industry.
Support Injured Workers
Coverage helps pay for treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages if someone is hurt on the job.
Reduce Legal Risk
Workers’ comp provides exclusive remedy protection, which can reduce the risk of lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
What Can Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover?
This coverage is designed to handle both immediate and long-term effects of work-related injuries or illnesses.
Medical Expenses
Pays for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and physical therapy after a covered injury.
Lost Wages
Offers partial wage replacement when an employee is unable to work due to injury.
Disability Benefits
Provides financial support for temporary or permanent disabilities caused by workplace incidents.
Employer Liability
May cover legal costs if an employer is sued for negligence related to a workplace injury.
Death Benefits
Offers financial support to dependents in the event of a fatal workplace injury.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance FAQs
When is workers’ compensation required in Florida and Virginia?
In Florida, most non-construction businesses must carry workers’ comp with four or more employees, while construction businesses need it with just one. In Virginia, it’s required for businesses with two or more employees, including part-time workers.
Are subcontractors covered under my workers’ comp policy in Florida?
In Florida’s construction industry, you may be held responsible if an uninsured subcontractor gets injured while working for you. That’s why it’s crucial to request proof of workers’ comp coverage from every subcontractor before work begins.
How does workers’ comp differ from health insurance?
Workers’ compensation covers work-related injuries and illnesses, while health insurance covers non-work-related medical care. If an employee is injured on the job, their medical bills and lost wages would typically be handled by your workers’ comp policy—not your group health plan.
Does Virginia require workers’ compensation for independent contractors?
If you hire independent contractors who operate as sole proprietors with no employees, coverage may not be required. However, if a contractor has a crew or qualifies as an employee by legal standards, you may be responsible for covering them under your policy.
What affects the cost of workers’ comp insurance in Florida and Virginia?
Premiums are based on your industry classification, payroll size, claims history, and safety practices. High-risk jobs—like roofing or demolition in Florida—typically have higher rates than lower-risk roles like retail or administrative positions in Virginia.
