Common Questions with Workers' Compensation Cases

Curious about workers' compensation? Today we thought we would go over some of the most common questions with these cases. Take a look and reach out to our team if you have any further questions.

What are the main types of workers' compensation benefits?

There are various types of workers' compensation, including:

Medical Coverage

If you suffer from a work-related injury or illness, workers' compensation should cover your medical costs. This includes hospital check-ups, treatments, examinations, physical therapy, medical equipment (such as wheelchairs), and medication.

Coverage should remain in place until you are fully recovered and able to return to work.

Work Rehabilitation

There are situations where a work-related injury prevents you from returning to your previous job. In that case, workers' compensation will cover the cost of physical therapy or work rehabilitation so that you may learn new skills to be employed in another role. Workers’ comp should cover any training or qualifications you may need.

Death Compensation

In the tragic event that a worker passes away due to a work-related injury or illness, workers' compensation should provide some financial protection for the worker's family. The benefit can cover funeral costs or loss of income. There's a limit on the coverage amount, which changes depending on which state you're in.

Disability Coverage

Workers' compensation covers four types of disability caused by work-related injury or illness:

Temporary Partial Disability

If you're left partially disabled by a work-related injury or illness that leaves you unable to perform your job, your company might opt to give you work that you can manage, or they might ask you to stay at home. Either way, workers' compensation will cover medical expenses and loss of income during this period.

Temporary Total Disability

If you're left totally disabled for a temporary period, workers' compensation will cover your loss of income, in addition to medical expenses and rehabilitation treatment.

Permanent Partial Disability

This applies if you're left partially disabled permanently due to a work-related injury or illness. The benefit covers your loss of income and medical expenses, but there is often a limit on how long payments will last.

Permanent Total Disability

In this case, you are left entirely disabled permanently, and you're unable to return to work for your employer. Typically, the benefit will cover your medical expenses and provide payments for life.

Should I notify my employer?

You must notify your employer of your injury or illness as soon as possible. There are time limits, which vary by state, in which you must report the problem to your company to receive workers' compensation.

Can I choose my own doctor?

As your employer is in charge of covering your workers’ compensation, they are in control of choosing which doctors you can visit.

Am I eligible if the accident was my fault?

As long as the injury is work-related, you'll be entitled to workers' compensation, regardless of whether it was your fault or not.

What doesn't workers' compensation cover?

• Injuries from a fight or physical altercation started by the employee.
• Injuries were caused intentionally by the employee.
• Injuries were caused due to the employee being intoxicated at work.

How can a personal injury lawyer help?

A personal injury lawyer can help give you the best possible chance of winning your workers’ compensation case. They will help you in putting together medical evidence to support your case, they can help you reach a monetary settlement, and they can be your official representative during the workers' compensation hearing. Are you in need of a personal injury or workers' compensation attorney? Get BETTER with BLANK today!