The labor force is a large and diverse group that must put themselves in harm’s way daily. Workers’ Comp is an insurance policy that provides certain benefits to employees injured or diagnosed with work-related illnesses. It was designed to ensure injured employees could maintain their standard of living. Depending on the type and nature of the injury, a wide variety of benefits are available. Here, we will discuss the benefits available under a Workers’ Compensation policy.
Medical Coverage
Employees are entitled to full and fair medical coverage for work-related injuries or illnesses. Most employers offer their medical facilities and doctors. In situations where medical care has to be outsourced, the employer must pay for the treatment cost. Medical services can be expensive. Workers’ Comp helps to offset the costs of these medical procedures, regardless of the type of injury or illness. Medical coverage includes all medical doctor visits, hospitalization, physical therapy, and prescription medicine. A policy may also have limitations in the types of medication covered. After a work-related illness or injury has been diagnosed, a doctor will issue a medical certification to confirm an actual injury and that the treatment is necessary. The worker will then submit this form to the employer, who will process it and issue payments.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary disability benefits are paid when an injury or illness lasts between one and 12 months. The injury duration depends on the underlying cause, the most common being soft-tissue injuries. These include strains, sprains, strains, and fractures. Conditions that require more healing time, like tendonitis and tendinitis, are also covered by temporary disability benefits. A doctor will evaluate the injury and determine the length of time it will be in effect. They use the injured body part and the severity of the damage to determine how long to award benefits. The benefits being paid depend on how much income the worker was getting and what activities they could carry out during their typical work day.
Permanent Disability Benefits
The most severe and complex injury a worker can acquire is a permanent disability. When a doctor asserts that the employee’s body part or system will never heal and they will be unable to complete their routine tasks again, the chances of receiving permanent disability benefits are high. This type of injury is not immediately apparent. Workers may not realize that they have sustained a permanent injury until many years later. While this type of claim is rare, it does occur. If a worker sustains a permanent disability, the benefits are reimbursed for the remainder of their working life or until they cannot work, whichever comes first. The amount paid out is determined by the state where the injury occurred.
Death Benefits
After a worker’s death, their family may be eligible for a death benefit. This is typically paid out through a life insurance policy or a pension plan for surviving children. One of the requirements for receiving this benefit is that there must be no other benefits or assets available to the surviving family members. If the deceased person had provided coverage under a self-insured workers’ compensation policy, they could still receive death benefits if they have a spouse who qualifies. If a worker’s insurance were purchased through a third party, the employer pays out the policy after the worker dies.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Each state has its rehabilitation and recovery programs. These programs vary in length depending on the severity of the injury or illness. These programs aim to help employees who cannot return to their previous job because of their injury or disease reenter the workforce as soon as possible. Various vocational, educational, and retraining courses are available to help workers develop new skills and abilities that will enable them to reenter the workforce. Workers comp provides temporary income during this time. This benefit is mainly utilized for injuries that have a short recovery period. Some examples of programs that are available include the Sheltered Workshops, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Independent Living Programs.
How an Attorney can Help
An attorney can help you recover the benefits you are entitled to under a workers’ compensation policy. In most cases, the worker and employer enter into a settlement agreement. This information is then submitted to the insurance company for review. The employer will then pay out this money based on the final award made by the insurance company. An experienced attorney will help guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected. They will work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Legal advice is sometimes the only way to protect yourself and your rights.
The Best Guidelines for Protecting Your Rights
When a worker is injured on the job, dealing with the injury’s aftermath can be very stressful. Their employer’s responsibility is to provide the worker with fair compensation for their damage. Unfortunately, many employers choose to ignore these responsibilities and do not offer workers’ comp benefits. This can be an issue for workers who misunderstand their legal rights when trying to collect payouts from the insurance company. The worker should notify his or her employer immediately after they have been injured. They should also write down the details surrounding their injury, including the accident’s time, date, and location. By doing this, they might be able to file a claim in case their employer does not fulfill their responsibilities. They should also keep a copy of any paperwork the workers’ comp office provides. The worker should also not sign any documents they do not understand or do not want to sign.
Conclusion
Safety is a top priority for every worker. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) monitors the safety practices of every workplace in the United States. Ensure the safety of your employees by providing them with proper safety training. If a worker sustains an injury or illness, they are obligated to report the incident within one calendar day from when the accident occurred. The workers’ comp claim must also be submitted within one year. These guidelines ensure that all accidents are reported and monitored for fairness and accuracy. Read more here to learn about worker’s compensation claims and how our office can help.
