What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?

Processing your work comp claims will be easier and more convenient if you hired an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to help you handle matters. This will even be more important immediately after you were badly injured in a work-related accident or have fallen seriously ill because of poor work conditions. The workers’ comp lawyer will take care of processing your claims while you focus on recovering from your injury or illness. It is important to know that insurance companies are not making money when they are paying out work comp claims. No matter what their advertisements may claim, they’ll try to cut their losses by keeping coverage payments at a minimum. Because insurance companies will have their lawyers help them in this regard, being represented by your own lawyer will level the playing field and will help ensure that you’ll receive the benefits that you deserve. Here’s a rundown of what do workers’ compensation benefits cover.

Medical Expenses

Your employers have to take all the practical means to keep your workplace safe for their employees. The working conditions must be in such a way that the possibility of injuries and illnesses are remote. However, accidents happen despite the safety measures and employers are usually responsible for covering the injured employee’s immediate medical treatment. The employee’s insurance should cover emergency room visits, ambulance rides and any other medical expenses.

Wage Replacement

If you can’t work for a span of time because of the injuries that you sustained, workers’ compensation benefits entitles you to receive at least a portion of your lost wages as you recover. Depending on your company’s workers’ comp policy, you may get a certain percentage of your missed wages or a fixed payout.

Therapy and Rehabilitation

The extent of your injury may require more treatments after the initial treatment. Your injury may be so severe that you’ll require further corrective surgeries or undergo physical rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation also covers the cost of ongoing care in case you require it.

Death Benefits

If the workplace accident is fatal, the workers’ comp can pay for the costs needed for the employee’s funeral. This will somehow let the family of the employee mourn of the loss of their loved one without having to worry about paying for funeral expenses. Workers’ compensation usually includes benefits for the employee’s dependents in the form of support payments.

Employer’s Liability Coverage

Your company’s insurance policy can also serve to protect it, as well. If you decide to file a lawsuit against your employer, his insurance coverage will help pay for his legal representation, litigation fees, judgments and even the settlement payout for you. It is important to note that not all workers’ comp policies are the same and state requirements for coverage varies. The list of the workers’ comp benefits above should serve as your guide when researching the kind of coverage that your home state requires from your employer. Keep in mind that your state also has a deadline for reporting injuries and for filing a workers’ compensation claim. It’s wise to scout for a seasoned work comp lawyer even before your need for one arises. This will be especially important if you work in a high-risk industry.