Understanding How Workers' Compensation Works

Workers' compensation is a program available to help someone pay for medical expenses after they become injured while on the job. The money is paid by the employer instead of being paid by the employee's medical insurance. If you happened to recently become injured at work, and you are not able to return to the job due to the extent of your injury, you are most likely wondering what the protocol for filing and receiving benefits entails. Here is a summary showing you the proper way to file and what benefits you can expect.

I'm Hurt - What Should I Do?

As soon as you injure yourself at work, you will most likely see a doctor or go to a hospital to get treatment. If the doctor treating you tells you that you may not return to work, you will want to file for workers' compensation as soon as possible so you will not be without a paycheck for an extended time period. There is a time limit in how long you have to file before your claim be denied, as well. State rules vary from mere days to a couple of years, so it is best to look up your particular state for expiration dates.

How Do I File?

Workers' compensation forms are available through your employer. Let them know you plan on filing and have them provide you with the proper paperwork. You are also able to file through your medical practitioner, but it is important to warn your employer so they are not caught off-guard with a surprise request for medical expense money. This will often cause the employer to become disgruntled, possibly causing you to lose funds should they decide to fight your claim. Fill out your paperwork and mail it in to your state worker's compensation board.

What Benefits Are Available?

After you file for workers' compensation, your request will be approved or denied. If you are approved you will receive the following:

Medical expense reimbursement - This will include money paid to the hospital, doctors, and physical therapy sessions. If you do not have your own vehicle, the reimbursement would also cover any fees you pay for transportation.

Salary reimbursement - Workers' compensation will pay out 2/3 of the amount of your salary you were making while on the job. If you have dependents, the amount goes up to 3/4 of your salary. This will last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the state where you file.

Vocational training - If your employer has another position within the company where you will be able to work without aggravating your injury, you will be reimbursed for any training expenses needed to learn how to do the job properly.

Permanent Impairment - If the injury causes you to be permanently impaired, workers' compensation will pay you for being unable to use a part of your body as you did before the incident occurred.

To learn more about workers comp, contact a company like Prediletto, Halpin, Scharnikow & Nelson, P.S.

Share