Getting hurt while at work is never something anyone anticipates. When it happens, workers’ compensation can offer financial and emotional relief. Every state has laws that require employers to provide employees with workers’ compensation. This is a system that is designed to protect employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
The average settlement for a workers’ compensation claim may vary from state to state. While the specific benefits may change from one state to another, most workers’ compensation programs offer a similar set of protections. Here is what you can expect to receive.
Medical Benefits
This covers medical treatment. If your injury or illness is job-related and approved by your employer’s insurance company, then you should not pay out of pocket for necessary medical care. This includes:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Prescription medicines
- Physical therapy
- Long-term rehabilitation
In some states, you may be required to visit a doctor chosen by your employer from an approved network. This is called the Medical Provider Network. It is important to follow these rules to ensure your care is covered and not denied later on.
Wage Replacement Benefits
If your injury leaves you unable to work for a certain period, workers’ compensation can replace a part of your lost income. These wage replacement benefits come in the form of
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you are unable to work completely for a short time, TTD benefits can help replace a part of your wages until you are fully able to recover.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work but are not able to work at your full capacity, like the required number of hours, TPD benefits can cover the difference between your new wages and what you were earning before the injury.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): In severe cases, if you are permanently unable to work in any capacity, PTD benefits provide ongoing financial support.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If your injury causes a lasting impairment, but you can still work in some capacity, you may receive compensation for your reduced earning ability or specific loss. For example, loss of a limb or reduced vision.
Wage replacement benefits are normally calculated as a percentage of your regular earnings. This is mostly two-thirds of your weekly pay. This may be subject to caps depending on the laws of your state.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Some injuries make it impossible to return to your previous job, especially if it involves physical labor or specialized skills. That is where vocational rehabilitation benefits come in handy. These services are designed to help you re-enter the workforce in a new role.
Vocational rehab may include job training, education programs, resume building, and even job placement assistance. The goal is to help you find some form of employment that fits your abilities after your injury.
Death and Funeral Benefits
In tragic cases where a worker dies because of a job-related injury, workers’ compensation can provide the family with financial help to help their surviving family members. These benefits typically include
- Funeral and burial expenses, where a portion of the costs are covered, to ease the burden of grieving families.
- Income for dependents for surviving spouses and children who may receive a percentage of the worker’s wages for a period of time to help support the dependents after the loss.
These benefits are intended to give families some level of financial security during a difficult time.
Conclusion
Workers’ compensation exists to make sure injured workers do not face recovery alone. These benefits are meant to help you and your family get back on your feet. And if your claim gets denied, speak to an attorney who can help you navigate the process.
