Workers’ compensation benefits are for employees injured on the job. What kind of benefits you can receive often depend on the rules in your state and the seriousness of your injury, but most workers’ compensation plans cover the same types of benefits.
Medical Care
Workers’ comp insurance is there to provide healthcare costs when you have been injured at work. Benefits generally cover doctor’s visits, surgery, medications and other costs associated with treatment. Some policies will cover chiropractor visits, counseling and pain management therapy. If you need medical equipment to manage your injury, such as a wheelchair, worker’s comp should cover that, too.
Generally, the first appointment or emergency care is covered, but you may need authorization for further treatment. You should check with your employer as to whether you can choose your own doctor or must go to a healthcare provider that they have chosen. State rules usually dictate how treatment is provided. You can also contact your state Department of Labor if you have questions about medical treatment under workers’ comp insurance.
Disability Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits usually include benefits if you can’t work. If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, you may get some or all of your wages covered while you’re in recovery. If you can partially work, you may receive disability to make up the difference between your reduced wages and what you were earning before the injury.
If you are permanently disabled and won’t be able to return to your job, you may be entitled to permanent disability. In this case, you may even be eligible for vocational retraining as well as wages. The amount is often based on what you earned before the injury. You may only get about two-thirds of that amount. Each state has regulations that govern disability payments.
Workers’ Comp Death Benefits
In a worst-case scenario, when a worker is tragically killed on the job, workers’ comp policies provide benefits to the surviving spouse and children. Some funeral expenses may be covered, too. Death benefits from workers’ compensation are meant to compensate the survivors for the loss of financial income from the worker. These benefits are often complicated by the relationship between the deceased and the dependents. Unmarried partners or stepchildren who were dependent on the deceased may find it difficult to receive compensation.
Do You Have Questions About Your Benefits?
If your employer disputes your workers’ compensation claim, you may need to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you find the best solution under your state’s laws.
Consult with a workers compensation lawyers from Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, who can help you take proper steps toward getting their surveillance evidence tossed out.