Rohas v. Duct Design CF, Inc. / Izaro Construction Services / Balfour Beatty Construction / Benchmark / Zurich

JCC Anderson (Orlando) (W. Rogers Turner, Jr.) (1-8-2026) – Denied all indemnity sought and all past medical; determined claimant’s employer was a sub-contractor and ordered medical evaluation.  The claimant fell from a ladder while installing ductwork, allegedly working for a sub-subcontractor under a general contractor in May of 2023.  He did not file a PFB until Feb. 2025 but had obtained unauthorized treatment in the interim under Obamacare.   Prior to Final Hearing, he was deported back to Venezuela. The E/C’s IME, Dr. Shydohub, placed the claimant at MMI for neurological injuries. The claimant did not obtain an IME.   The JCC found the claimant was injured in the industrial accident and was entitled to an evaluation to determine the nature of any non-neurological complaints he had and whether they were related to the industrial accident. The claim for indemnity since the date of accident was denied as the claimant did not make “wages” under F.S. §440.02(28), as he didn’t file a tax return, nor did the employer report any wages for the claimant to the IRS.  Further, there was no admissible medical evidence to support entitlement to indemnity. Claims for past medical bill payments were denied as there was no admissible testimony from a physician that the care the claimant received while hospitalized was causally related to the workplace accident.  Claims against the general contractor and sub-contractor were denied.    Click here to view Order