Understanding what work injury compensation is and how it works is essential for employees and employers. If you’re an employee, knowing the benefits you’re entitled to and the steps you should follow in case of an injury is crucial. As an employer, knowing what the system covers will allow you and your lawyer to heed your workers’ needs and address their benefits should injuries occur in the workplace.
Explanation
Employees who incur injuries or contract diseases while doing their job are eligible to receive work injury compensation from their employers. Individuals entitled to this government-mandated insurance may receive relief voluntarily, or they may file a claim at their state’s worker’s compensation office.
Worker’s comp provides financial benefits to the injured party, which cover medical payments, temporary disability expenses, and reimbursement in case of permanent impairment. Should the sustained injuries cause the employee’s death, the family of the deceased will receive the sum of the compensation.
Coverage
Work injury compensation is mandatory for all employers with one or more employees. When carrying this type of insurance, employers cannot charge their workers for any portion of the expense or premium. One exception from this statute is farm workers, though compensation may be available should their employers opt for coverage.
Benefits Covered
Recovering from injury, disease, or disability is never easy, though having financial support can ease the hardship. Here are the benefits covered by work injury compensation:
- Medical benefits
- Temporary partial benefits
- Temporary total disability benefits
- Disfigurement benefits
- Death benefits
Guide for Employees in Case of Injury
Immediately after the incident, give your employer notice in writing about the injury you’ve sustained and your request for medical services. Neglecting to notify or accept medical services may prevent you from getting the right to compensation.
After the third day of the accident, give prompt notice to your employer of any claim for compensation for the period of your disability. If the injury sustained causes death, one or more dependents of the worker should notify the employer on behalf of the deceased.
If you fail to reach a compensation agreement with your employer, you can apply for a hearing with the Industrial Accident Board at your local Office of Workers’ Compensation. The validity of filing is within two years of the date of the accidental injury or one year of receiving the diagnosis of an ionizing radiation injury or occupational illness.
Get Work Injury Compensation With Baird Mandalas Brockstedt Federico & Cardea
If you need legal support with matters involving work injury compensation, reach out to a lawyer that specializes in the practice area. Contact Baird Mandalas Brockstedt Federico & Cardea, and talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer today. For injured or disabled employees, we can help oversee and manage the settlement of your benefits for compensation of your medical and prescription expenses, physical therapy, and aftercare treatment.