If you suffer an injury at work, you will likely have to submit a workers’ compensation claim. The workers’ compensation system can be confusing if you do not understand what it is and how it works.
Learning more about it can enable you to ensure that you get the benefits due to you. It can also help you to navigate things much more easily.
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The Basics
According to Wikipedia, workers’ compensation is insurance your employer carries. It is not a state-ran benefit program, but the state does issue rules and requirements for how the procedures and processes. The state also can mandate certain employers to carry the insurance. Each state has different laws concerning workers’ compensation.
The main idea behind workers’ compensation is to help stop lawsuits against employers for injuries workers suffer on the job. The system is no-fault, which means that you only have to submit a claim to get benefits.
Denials
You do have to provide proof that the injury happened when you were at work and during the course of your job duties. Your employer’s insurer can deny you benefits if you were doing something that broke the rules, such as operating equipment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or ignoring safety rules.
Sometimes a denial is not valid, and you will need to file an appeal to have the state take a look at your claim. You may want a workmans comp lawyer to assist you with putting together your case to give you the best chance of winning the appeal.
Appeals often involve negotiations between you and the insurer. The insurer will agree to certain benefits to avoid going before the appeal’s board. You can accept or reject the offers made by the insurer.
Benefits
In most cases, the insurer will approve your claim. You can get medical benefits right away for all medical costs associated with the injury. You may also qualify for lost wage payments. These benefits payout at a percentage of your average wages. You cannot collect the full amount of lost pay.
You will usually keep receiving benefits until you can return to work. You may get partial benefits if you cannot return to work full time or return to the job you previously left. It is possible to get long-term benefits for injuries that prevent you from ever working again.
If you were to die as a result of a work accident, your family can get benefits. These may pay for your medical and funeral costs, along with giving financial support to your family.
Wrap Up
Workers’ compensation is a good program that helps ensure you get benefits right away after an injury on the job. Understanding how it works can help you to ensure that you get the benefits due to you.