When you are injured at work, supposing you meet all the qualifications, you are typically entitled to workers’ compensation. This benefit covers medical expenses, ongoing care and a variety of other expenses, including lost wages, as a workers compensation lawyer, like from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, can explain.
Time Loss Compensation
The time you lose at work is compensable through workers’ compensation. If your injuries prohibit the ability to get back to work, you typically receive 66 2/3% of your regular wages. Depending on the state in which you live and work, you might receive compensation twice per month, once per month or once per week. You will only receive workers’ compensation during this time, and not the regular check you previously received from your employer on payday. If you miss seven or fewer days of work, you will not receive time loss compensation.
The Loss of Earning Power
Not every state offers benefits for the loss of earning power, though some do. If you are unable to get back to your regular job, and have to settle for one that offers less in wages, you could be entitled to compensation for the loss of earning power. This should make up part or all of the difference between the wage you would regularly have and the wage you are able to make after your injury.
Medical Expenses
Most injuries result in medical expenses. As you incur these expenses, workers’ compensation covers them. Your doctor will have to bill the insurance company directly for this to happen, so you shouldn’t receive any of these funds yourself. Instead, the insurance company will pay them directly to your medical professionals. If you have already paid some of the medical bills on your own, you can be compensated for them.
Permanent Disability
Permanent disability is often known as a pension. If your injury results in the inability to ever get back to work, you might receive a pension, which is a percentage of the wages you made when your injury occurred. Pensions are a lifetime benefit, and in some states even a surviving spouse can receive the benefit after you pass away.
Having a Lawyer’s Assistance
It’s not always as easy as it seems to get the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to. If you’re having trouble, or if you’re just not sure where to start, it might be helpful to have a lawyer’s assistance. Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer today if you were recently injured in a workplace accident and feel you should receive compensation beyond what you’re being told.
