Most individuals go to work and do not expect to have an accident that results in an injury. The realit is that job- related accidents and occupational illnesses are not uncommon. If you have been injured on the job and are unable to work, our experienced attorneys can help you obtain workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation provides temporary disability benefits while you’re unable to work, payment for medical treatment, and compensation for permanent disability.
- Medical Benefits — Workers compensation pays for proper and necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries or occupational illnesses at no cost to the employee. Medical treatment includes doctor visits, prescriptions, surgery, physical therapy and other treatment needed for you to recover. The state or the employer’s insurance company pays for the treatment.
- Lost Wages — An employee who is unable to work because of a job-related injury or illness is eligible to receive partial compensation for lost wages. These benefits typically amount to two-thirds of the weekly wages depending on the state’s laws.
- Permanent Disability Benefits — Most states compensate workers left with a permanent impairment that results in a total disability or a partial disability, although determinations of monetary awards vary from state to state.
Permanent total disability benefits are provided to workers who will never be able to return to any type of work due to a workplace injury or illness. These benefits are regular monetary payments that are percentage of workers’ wages at the time of these injury. A permanent partial disability is a physical impairment that permanently affects one or more parts of body, but does not prevent an individual from returning to some form of employment. Benefits for these disabilities are awarded in either a lump sum payment or paid over time.
- Death benefits — If a worker is killed on the job or dies from complications of a job-related injury or illness, his or her family members may be entitled to collect benefits.
What should I do if I am injured at work?
If you have been injured at work, you should immediately obtain first-aid or any other necessary medical treatment. You must also notify your employer in writing about the injury as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, you may forfeit your right to workers’ compensation benefits. In order to be eligible for benefits, you must also file a claim with the workers’ compensation board.
Workplace injuries and illnesses can have devastating and long-lasting consequences. If you have been injured at work, you need a highly skilled and compassionate attorney on your side. Not only are workers’ compensation laws complex, your employer or his or her insurance company may try to deny payment of your benefits. Our workers’ compensation attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve. Attorneys fees are determined by state law and you will only pay a fee if you win a disability award. Call our office today for a free consultation.
