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Hit Products v Sakiba Krivdic

This April 12, 2012 1DCA decision affirmed a JCC decision of Judge Remsnyder.

This case shows the relative ease that a claimant can get an initial $2,000 advance. At the JCC level, the claimant was awarded a $2,000 advance because there was competent substantial evidence to support that the Claimant had been unable to return to the same or equivalent employment. The employer/carrier disagreed with the JCC ruling and appealed. The first DCA affirmed the JCC's ruling concerning the advance.

The 1DCA held that there was competent substantial evidence to support the JCC’s finding that the Claimant has been unable to return to the same or equivalent employment,and was eligible for an advance of $2,000 under § 440.20(12)(c), Fla. Stat. (2010).

FYI
Under 440.20(12)(c), there are 3 requisites for an award of an advance of $2,000 or less:

1:  The Claimant has been unable to return to the same or equivalent employment with no substantial reduction in wages;or

2: The claimant has suffered a substantial loss of earning capacity; or

3: The claimant has a physical impairment, actual or apparent.

In most cases, it would appear that a claimant would be able to satisfy at least one of these requirements. The advance "shall be entitled to be reimbursed out of any unpaid installment or installments of compensation due. A carrier can deduct a maximum of 20% of any future payments of compensation in order to be reimbursed for the advance.

Remember, "in no event may any such advance payment under this paragraph be granted in excess of $7,500 or 26 weeks of benefits in any 48-month period, whichever is greater, from the date of the last advance payment."

Click here to see the 1DCA opinion
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