Internet Search Sites
Florida Division of Licensing - look up information on persons in any area requiring an occupational license, including
State of Florida search engine for employees, agencies, phone numbers, schools, official mileage
FindLaw.com - Highly regarded site for searching anything legal Glossary of terms commonly used in workers compensation
Google -Probably the most used search engine. To search for workers comp articles in the newspapers, go to Google and click on the tab "news." Great resource for the newest information in print.
Newspapers from all over the country ( Florida California Colorado New York North Carolina )
Office of Judges of Compensation Claims Home Page. Case Research Search for workers comp cases filed with the JCC.
Research links for federal and state laws, agencies, law schools, law periodicals, legal web sites - all on one page!
Search Systems Florida page for an amazing array of searchable databases from unsolved homicides (!) to trial lawyers to state licenses...top
State of Florida Workers Compensation Sites
Chapter 440, (2002) (2003) (2004 not posted yet) the Florida Workers Comp legislation -------Medical section - 440.13 -------Senate Bill 50 A - 2003 Florida W/C Legislation, the worst in 25 years! Official language -------Summary of Senate Bill 50A by Senators who actually liked the bill
Administrative Code of Florida (FAC) The rules created after the law was created. Chapter 4 deals with insurance. Chapter 4-220 (page 635) deals with claims adjusters. Chapter 4L-3 deals with workers comp claims (page 989).
Department of Financial Services - Division of Workers Compensation Home Page Includes links to rules and regulations governing Workers' Compensation in Florida.
-------Division of Workers Comp phone numbers All the important phone numbers at the state level
-------Employee Assistance Office The office that is supposed to help injured workers
-------Frequently Asked Questions Questions and answers for Injured Workers. Employers. Medical, Medical Provider, Managed Care Arrangement, Miscellaneous
-------WC Claim Flow A one-page diagram of the workers comp claim process.
------Benefit Delivery Process A chart showing claim flow for benefit delivery
------Workers Compensation Databases Information about workers comp in Florida.
------Introduction to Workers Comp A thumbnail review of W/C. Should probably be downloaded and put in everyone's files.
------What's New in Workers Compensation Monthly updates from DWC
------Workers' Compensation Facts for Florida's Injured Employees (931k PDF) As required in Section 440.185 (4), this publication is required to be mailed, by the claims administrator, to the injured worker within three days after the employer or employee informs the claims administrator of the injury.
------Publications Includes brochure (see above) for employees and employers, reimbursement manuals, annual reports 2000-2002 and more
------Workers' Compensation Rules and Forms An organized presentation of the Rules and Forms needed by many parties
Governor's Commission on Workers Compensation Site for the commission set up by Gov. Jeb Bush which ultimately passed the predictable recommendation espoused by Gov. Bush and the NCCI "independent" group which is so independent that it is composed of insurers who supply both the data and the operational funding. Many of the statistics generated are considered spurious and self-serving. Nevertheless, the rates for insurance in Florida are based on the recommendations of this "independent" group. Whose pockets are being lined?
topSites for Proponents of Change
1972 Report of the National Commission on State Workmen's Compensation Laws A report that is commonly referred to and then ignored.
ACLU Complaint form First step to take when asking ACLU for its legal help. Florida cases only. However, there are links to other state chapters.
AFL-CIO site, workers compensation page with unique information comparing the 50 states. Useful.
Alliance for Justice "The Alliance for Justice is a national association of environmental, civil rights, mental health, women's, children's and consumer advocacy organizations. Since its inception in 1979, the Alliance has worked to advance the cause of justice for all Americans, strengthen the public interest community's ability to influence public policy, and foster the next generation of advocates."
Campaign Against Workplace Bullying "You know you've been bullied at work when...." A facet of the workplace rarely considered, but important.
Center For Public Integrity, Florida Page . Revealing site. This group does"investigative journalism in the public interest." Research collections, committee, disbursements in campaigns by state, nation or internationally; find out who controls the media in your area and MUCH more.
Centre for Insurance Justice "We are here to warn you that you're not protected, either by disempowered regulatory agencies, or by your full-of-holes insurance 'contract'." Jim Mooney's site. Lots of links from site (The links for this site seems to be non-working, but it's been left here just in case.)
Charity Lobbying in Public Interest "Educating charities about the important and appropriate role lobbying can play in achieving their missions." An excellent, must-see site for learning about the legalities of lobbying. Includes strategies, resources, more.
Citizen Works "Citizen Works is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization founded by Ralph Nader in April 2001 to advance justice by strengthening citizen participation in power. "
Citizen Works Toolbox "We all need to be trained in the skills and tools of effective activism....This material is a culmination of organizing information from various sources." Excellent information. This site is worth going to if you're serious about advocating!
Injured Workers 4 Change An activist group for injured workers. Good site.
Injured Workers Alliance "Joining together Oregon's injured workers." Good site. IWA Forum Online discussions. Links page.
----Suspicious Activity & Fraud Many examples from many states. Interesting. Part of IWA site.
Injustice Busters A Canadian site - the problem is pan-American!
Maine Injured Workers Association
Rand Institute For Civil Justice home page Rand Institute For Civil Justice Workers compensation links
VOICES, Inc. Contains news, downloads, links, information about VOICES, Inc, including an application form, a advocacy page, position statements, much more.
VOICES: Talking to Lawmakers Information needed for effective advocating in Florida's legislative sessions
VOICES, Inc., B.E.S.T., California The California Chapter of VOICES, Inc., "dedicated to getting information to injured workers, legislators and news groups. We are proud to be a part of VOICES, INC."
WorkersCompensation.com Claims to be the country's #1 compensation referral and network provider. Florida Page
Workers' Compensation Insurance.com Bob Dugan's excellent site for injured workers, nationwide scope. Florida page
Www.Jayfoster.com Review "This Web is a Portal, and Information Guide to the Unethical, Criminal Bureaucracy that is Our Washington State Department of Labor and Industries." Excellent site, but seems to not be available. topHealth and Medical Sites
Addresses for State Medical Boards (states from A-F shown, other states have links to them.) From the American Iatrogenic Association.
American Association of Health Plans "The American Association of Health Plans (AAHP) is the nation's principal association of health plans, representing more than 1,000 plans that provide coverage for approximately 170 million Americans nationwide."
American Medical Association "The AMA is the nation's leader in promoting professionalism in medicine and setting standards for medical education, practice,and ethics. Learn more about our mission and how it is accomplished."
Center for Research on Women With Disabilities (CROWD) "A research center that focuses on issues related to health, aging, civil rights, abuse, and independent living."
Chronic Pain Foundation "This web site has been developed and is maintained by the Chronic Pain Patient Collaborative, a volunteer group of chronic pain patients. "
Chronic Pain Foundation Workers Comp Horror Stories from California
Confidentiality of Medical Records - A Situation Analysis and AHIMA's Position (American Health Information Management Association)
Fibromyalgia Network "We provide educational materials on fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)." ------Fibromyaliga Basics Symptoms, Treatments and Research
Guide to Disability and the Workplace Dozens of sites complied and organized by topic by Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Very good.
HARP (Health Administration ResponsibilityProject) "HARP is a resource for patients, doctors, and attorneys seeking to establish the liability of HMOs, Managed Health Care Organizations, and Nursing Facilities for the consequences of their decisions."
Health Privacy Project "Dedicated to raising public awareness of the importance of ensuring health privacy in order to improve health care access and quality"
ImmuneSupport.com The "World's Largest Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Site". A comprehensive site. If this is a subject you are interested in, the site is a must-see. ------Completing Disability Forms: Five Critical Tips to Keep in Mind for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Patients ------Disability Issues for People with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Injured Worker Pharmacy - (IWP)- a national pharmacy service working on behalf of the injured worker. As an advocate for those injured on the job, IWP takes the financial burden out of the medication process. It is an independent company and a friend to injured workers.
Needymeds.com "This site is designed to provide information about patient assistance programs which provide no cost prescription medications to eligible participants." Lists companies that offer prescription drug assistance programs for low income individuals. Also lists drugs by name and category. Very popular site.
Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs "Free or low-cost medications provided by pharmaceutical companies ...to (some) low-income individuals and families."
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association Of America
Search engine for Health related licenses in Florida
Search for Practitioner Profile Information in Florida Allows you to look up license info and physician profiles including criminal background checks. It links to information on the claims paid by malpractice insurance companies for doctors, hospitals, and even lawyers in Florida for the last 20 years. Much of the information is unverified, but worth looking at anyway.
WebMD at AOL Health, drugs and herbs - find out about your medications
top
Legal Sites
WILG - Workplace Injury Litigation Group "The group acts principally to assist attorneys in advocating the rights of injured workers through education, communication, research, and information gathering." A fine organization that has done a lot of work for injured workers. Highly thought of by the Voices board.
The Association of Trial Lawyers of America "As the world's largest trial bar, ATLA promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, safeguards victims' rights--particularly the right to trial by jury--and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. "
Case Law Summaries - The "McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod,, Pope & Weaver's workers' compensation case law database. The database dates back until 1971 and includes over 5500 workers' compensation court decisions." Mostly Florida.
District Courts of Appeal in Florida - list of URL's for each of the twenty courts except 14th district
Florida Workers Advocates Website - The website for FWA, the attorney organiization for legal advocates of workers, injured and healthy; offers the ability to email every Florida lawmaker at once or individually in its "Helpful Hints" section; links to DOAH, court cases, more.
The Florida Medical Malpractice Website "Intended to provide general information to consumers and lawyers about Florida medical malpractice issues". Sponsored by McMillen, Rinehart and Voght, P.A.
J.A.I.L. (Judicial Accountability Initiative Law ) 4 Judges "We believe that our judicial 'public servants' need to be held liable for responsibly and respectfully serving ... us."
The Law Report (from Australian Radio National) "Does Litigation Harm Your Health?" "A recent report has found that people with injuries who seek compensation have a worse long-term health outcome than people with similar injuries who don't or can't seek compensation."
O'Malley and Langan Site - has a lot of clarifying and useful information on the site of these attorneys in Pennsylvania
Personal Injury Legal Information Center "It provides free legal and medical informational services to the public. " Mr. Aidman is an attorney in Pennsylvania who has a book "Winning Your Personal Injury Caim"; many excerpts from the book are included. Informative site.
Title 42 USC Section 1983 Information Thorough site with other links. Title 42 USC Code Section 1983 is a federal law which provides protection of individuals denied rights under "color of state law." These actions are typically based upon denial of due process or equal protection, such as police brutality, or termination of government employees' jobs. Could this be the basis of a huge workers comp suit??
12 Frequently Asked Questions about California Workers Compensation Law by the law firm of Goldberger & Associates
"Why Workers' Compensation Laws Are Unconstitutional" A challenging and interesting argument by Miami attorney Mark Zientz which is the basis of his federal suit against the state of Florida . A must read. Mr. Zientz has several other worthwhile publications available on his website, www.mzlaw.com.
Workers' Compensation Case Law Summaries Listed are "McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver's workers' compensation case law database. The database dates back until 1971 and includes over 5500 workers' compensation court decisions."
Workers Comp Section of the Florida Bar "The purpose of the Workers' Compensation Section is to provide an organization within The Florida Bar open to all members in good standing who have a common interest in workers' compensation law." Has a fascinating section where you can search JCC orders; interesting set of investigative links supplied; search for section members by name or city.
topMyFlorida Site
Governor's Commission on Workers Compensation Site for the commission set up by Gov. Jeb Bush.
MyFlorida.com A portal to an amazing world of websites about Florida. Includes a link to Florida government which opens up a tremendously large amount of information. Go here first for anything about Florida government, state or local.
topFlorida Legislative Sites
Effective Communication With Your Legislators Tips from the Senate website - worth reading
MyBill Status - Florida The status of bills before the Legislature by sponsor(s), short title and action taken.
House Bills filed for regular session of current year
Senate Bills filed for regular session of current year
State legislators organized by counties including committee assignments, and contact information
topEmployer and Insurance Sites
1972 Report of the National Commission on State Workmen's Compensation Laws A "classic" ----January 2002 Department of Labor report comparing the states' current laws with the 19 essential recommendations made by the Commission (see above link).
Changes to WC legislation in 2002 re SB 108 Mary Ann Stiles, Chief Counsel for Associated Industries of Florida, gives her legal interpretation of the legislation. Worth reading.
Florida Business Insight - On-Line Magazine A Publication of Associated Industries of Florida Service Corporation. An alternate point of view. Daily changes.
Florida Insurance Council "Florida's largest company trade association" with minimum dues of $6,222 for insurance companies. This association along with other business groups has created the 'so-called' Coalition Bill (The Workers Compensation Coalition Bill for 2003). This is a nasty bill for workers.
Fraud Posters 9 posters that employers may post warning about workers comp fraud.
Insurance Resource Center An on-line resource about federal legislation relating to insurance - some information may not be timely.
NCCI Holdings, Inc. NCCI is a company based in south Florida that collects data from insurers in 39 states, aggregates it and makes recommendations. The state of Florida uses its services to help set insurance rates. The company is funded by those providing the data.
Safety Resources from Associated Industries Retro group. Comprehensive site with many links, last updated 5-22-00.
Screwed by Insurance.com "The place to tell people your story, and read about the problems others have had." The site is temporarily down due to lack of funds. It's a shame! It's a good site.
topElection Information
2002 Florida Candidate Campaign Contributions to Individuals "Based on the campaign finance reports from January 1, 2001 thru December 31, 2001. This data comes from the Division of Elections."
Absentee Voting Procedures (Florida)
Campaign Financing - Division of Elections - Florida Department of State Campaign financing disclosures.
Early Voting Procedures (Florida)
Elections Online "The Florida Department of State's Candidate Tracking System tracks candidates throughout the elections process presenting candidate status, campaign finance activity, personal photos and contact information. "
Open Secrets.Org "Your Guide to the Money In U.S. Elections" Who's giving and who's getting. Awesome site. Insurance contributions Healthcare Providers Contributions Attorney Contributions Pharmacists Contributions
top Publications and Articles
Consumer Reports article on workers compensation, "Falling Down On The Job," October 2000. Subscribers only, unfortunately. Excellent article which should be widely disseminated.
topVocational Retraining
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Department of Education Site of Florida Voc Rehab - many injured workers qualify for retraining and no one tells them! Not associated with workers comp and unfettered by the w/c rules. Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services (BRRS) This bureau supervises the retraining that is an little-known jewel for injured workers who are not PTD. BRRS District Offices Contact the district office to initiate your evaluation for retraining. A wonderful opportunity too often overlooked.
topPrivacy Issues (Surveillance, Investigative Issues) These sites (when the updates are finished) are provided on a "just-in-case basis" because a significant number of injured workers are under surveillance at one time or another. While many investigators are professional, others are horrible people who (are paid to) frighten and annoy needlessly.
Laws of each state vary. Please check with local officials or attorneys to find out what's legal in your area.
To file a complaint against a P.I. at the Florida Division of Licensing
Federal and National Sites
Other
BenefitsCheckUp "helps thousands of people every day to find programs for seniors that may pay for some of their costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services." From the National Council on Aging. Free service.
GovBenefits.gov, "The official government benefits website! This is a free, confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive.
Labor Research Organization New York City-based non-profit research and advocacy organization that provides research and educational services for trade unions.
NCIC Links to All 50 States' and D.C.'s Home Pages and Workers' Compensation Agencies
North Carolina General Assembly Home Page
North Carolina Industrial Commission The official home page for the State of North Carolina's Industrial Commission (NCIC). "A division of the Department of Commerce, the Commission was established by the General Assembly in 1929 to administer the Workers' Compensation Act. "
top HOME
Contact webmaster to report interesting sites that should be added or broken/ out-dated links. Updated Oct. 11, 2008