Hurt while working on a boat

[crashcrew]

I work as a 1st Mate on a parasail boat and this past thursday one of my fingers was crushed and I have to have surgery with the possibilty of having the tip of my finger removed and at the very least having pins inserted and the total loss of the finger nail forever. My employer has yet to provide me with his Workman's Comp info that the hospital asked me for and I have had to pay for all of the prescription drugs so far. The last time I talked to my employer he said he would get back to me with the info and asked me when I could come back to work, even if on light duty. I told him that while I am on narcotics I am not coming into work. I have not heard from him in 3 days even after calling him numerous times. I have another appointment with a hand surgeon this Fri. (6th) and he is going to schedule my surgery then.

What are my options if my employer does not have worker's comp? I live in Florida.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If your employer won't report the claim to the worker's compensation insurance carrier, and you know who the carrier is, you can make your own claim. If you do not, or wish to get assistance, contact the Florida Department of Financial Services, Worker's Compensation Division, Employee Assistance Office (EAO) at (800) 342-1741 or e-mail wceao@fldfs.com .