Lopez v. Allied Aerofoam/Specialty Risk Services

In this workers’ compensation case, Claimant, Rocio Lopez, appeals an order of the Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) denying a request for a statutory advance payment of compensation not in excess of $2,000.00. Claimant argues the JCC erred in determining advances of $2,000.00 or less are not awardable in contested cases. Under existing law, reversal is required.

Section 440.20(12)(c), Florida Statutes (2009), permits a JCC to award an advance payment of compensation not in excess of $2,000.00, after giving due consideration to the “interests of the person entitled thereto,” where a claimant…