Does Workers’ Comp Cover the Cost of an Air Ambulance in Tampa?

Rapid transport to nearby medical centers is critical for many injured workers in Tampa. This is particularly true for workers operating in rural areas. In this type of situation, an air ambulance (helicopter) might be the only viable option to deliver effective treatment and potentially save a worker’s life. Unfortunately, this type of transport can be incredibly expensive. Will a workers’ comp claim in Tampa cover the cost of this medical expense?

All Ambulance Rides Should Be Covered by Workers’ Compensation

Although workers’ compensation only covers a portion of your missed earnings, it should cover 100% of your medical costs. As long as these medical costs are directly related to your workplace accident, you should not have to pay a dime. This includes costs related to ambulance rides, “medevac,” air ambulance trips, and any other essential treatment.

For example, you might have been injured while working on power lines in a rural area. Perhaps you were involved in a car accident while delivering items in a place with low population density. In this type of situation, the nearest hospital may be too far away. As a result, an air ambulance could be the best solution, and it might even be the only way to save your life.

It is worth noting that in this scenario, the patient does not directly request air medevac. Instead, the paramedics who are first to arrive at the scene typically assess the situation and determine whether an air ambulance is necessary. Therefore, it would be unfair to leave you with the cost of a medical service you didn’t even request. In many cases, patients are already unconscious by the time they are loaded onto a helicopter and transported to safety by first responders.

What Can I Do if Workers’ Compensation Is Refusing to Pay for My Air Ambulance?

If workers’ compensation is refusing to cover the cost of your air ambulance, the first step is to understand why. There are only a few legitimate reasons an insurer can deny coverage, as workers’ comp is a “no-fault” system. Even if you caused your own injuries, you should still get complete coverage for your air ambulance trip.

Potential reasons include misclassification as an independent contractor, allegations of intoxication, and allegations of horseplay. You might also face accusations that you were not engaging in workplace duties at the time of your injuries. An experienced lawyer can push back against these allegations.

Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Tampa if Your Claim Has Been Denied

If you’re struggling with a denied workers’ comp claim in Tampa and you’re stuck with a massive bill for an air ambulance, consider speaking with an experienced lawyer. These legal professionals can assess your claim and determine your next potential steps. A workers’ comp claim should cover all of your medical costs, including those related to air ambulance transport. For more information, contact the Tampa workers’ compensation lawyers at the Franco Law Firm at your earliest convenience.

Sources: 

ahca.myflorida.com/content/download/24344/file/2024%20Transportation%20Services%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf

pirg.org/articles/surprise-air-ambulance-bills-a-birds-eye-view-of-sky-high-prices/