Workplace injuries can be devastating and often require extensive medical care. If your injuries stop you from working, you may be able to rely on workers’ compensation benefits to get the financial help you need.
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that employers carry to cover medical costs and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. Every state has its laws regarding workers’ compensation coverage and eligibility requirements.
However, it helps to know the limits of workers’ compensation coverage before filing a claim.
This article will explore whether you can rely on workers’ compensation after a workplace injury.
In This Article
Permanent Disability
Generally, workers’ compensation may cover any medical bills related to the injury and a portion of your lost wages. It can also provide benefits if you suffer a permanent disability due to the injury. Permanent disability benefits are intended to replace some of the income you would have earned had you not been injured.
However, how much you get from the workers’ compensation policy will vary depending on whether or not you can earn money from another occupation in the future. Insurance companies will provide benefits by gauging your disability. If you have a partial disability, you usually get less money than a total disability. Wage and age level at the time of injury also play a significant role in determining the amount of compensation.
Death Benefits
In the unfortunate event of an employee’s death due to workplace injury, the workers’ compensation policy may provide benefits for the deceased’s family. These benefits are usually for funeral expenses, and lost wages that would have been earned had the accident not happened. The benefit amount will be based on the deceased’s income.
Therefore, if you or a loved one has suffered an injury at work, it is essential to know that financial assistance may be available through workers’ compensation. By understanding the laws and limits of coverage, you can ensure you get all the help you need after an injury.
It’s also important to note that, in some cases, you may be able to supplement your workers’ compensation claim with other benefits or a lawsuit.
For example, if you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for additional compensation through a personal injury claim. It’s always best to consult with an expert personal injury lawyer to determine your best course of action. You deserve the compensation and care you need after a workplace injury.
Temporary Disability
Workers’ compensation policies may also provide benefits for temporary disability caused by a workplace injury. This type of compensation is intended to replace the wages lost while you cannot work due to your injury.
The amount and duration of these benefits will vary depending on the details of the injury and how long it takes you to recover. Generally, you can expect some help with medical bills and two-thirds of your usual wages until you can return to work.
In some cases, employers may require light duty or other restrictions if you can eventually return to work before you are fully recovered. If so, you should be able to get compensation for the time lost due to medical care and recovery. It’s important to remember that these benefits are only available for a limited time and may not continue indefinitely.
Workers’ compensation can be an invaluable relief and financial assistance after a workplace injury. Whether you are seeking benefits for permanent disability, death benefits, or temporary disability, it’s important to understand the limits of coverage so you can get all the help you need. With the correct information and resources, you can secure the compensation you deserve and get back on your feet after a workplace injury.
