Opinion ID: 1877626
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 36

Heading: reimbursement of employer out of benefits recovered by claimant where the employer has voluntarily made payment of compensation

Text: When an employee is injured and the employer pays his full wages or any part thereof during the period of disability, or pays medical expenses for such employee, and the case is contested by the carrier, and/or the carrier and employer, and thereafter the carrier, either voluntarily or pursuant to an award, makes a payment of compensation or medical benefits, the employer shall be entitled to reimbursement to the extent of the compensation paid or awarded, plus medical benefits, if any, out of the first proceeds paid by the carrier in compliance with said voluntary payment or award, provided the employer furnishes satisfactory proof to the Judge or the Commission of such payment of compensation and medical benefits. Any payment by the employer over and above compensation paid or awarded and medical benefits, pursuant to Section 440.20(11), Florida Statutes, F.S.A., shall be considered a gratuity.