Workplace injuries can be devastating for employees and their families. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits can help ease the financial burden of medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with workplace injuries. 

Workers’ compensation benefits are a form of insurance that provides financial and medical assistance to employees who are injured on the job. This article will explore the 5 types of workers’ compensation benefits.

Medical Benefits  

Medical benefits are the most common type of workers’ compensation benefit. They cover the cost of medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and medications. Medical benefits include rehabilitation and therapy, such as physical and occupational therapy.

Injured employees must seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider authorized by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier to receive medical benefits. It is important to note that employees do not have to pay for medical expenses out of pocket. The insurance carrier will cover all reasonable and necessary medical costs related to the workplace injury.

Disability Benefits

Disability benefits provide financial assistance to employees who cannot work due to a workplace injury. There are two types of disability benefits: temporary disability benefits and permanent disability benefits.

Temporary disability benefits provide wage replacement to employees who cannot work due to a workplace injury. The benefits usually equal two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage up to a specific limit. Temporary disability benefits typically last until the employee returns to work or their medical condition stabilizes.

Permanent disability benefits provide wage replacement to employees who cannot work due to a workplace injury. The benefits are based on the level of disability and the employee’s average weekly wage. Permanent disability benefits can be paid out in a lump sum or installments over time.

Death Benefits

Death benefits provide financial assistance to the dependents of employees killed on the job. The benefits include burial expenses and weekly payments to the employee’s dependents.

Death benefits vary depending on the state and the employee’s average weekly wage. The benefits usually equal two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly salary up to a specific limit.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

Vocational rehabilitation benefits assist employees who cannot return to their previous job due to a workplace injury. The benefits cover the cost of vocational training, education, and job placement services.

Vocational rehabilitation benefits are designed to help injured employees acquire new skills and find employment in a different field. The benefits are usually provided for a limited period and are subject to specific eligibility requirements.

Legal Benefits

Legal benefits provide employees with legal representation in workers’ compensation disputes. If an employee’s claim is denied or disputed by their employer’s insurance carrier, they can file an appeal or a lawsuit.

Employers must provide employees with information on their legal rights and options under workers’ compensation laws. Legal benefits help employees navigate the complex legal process and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.

Seeking Legal Assistance

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if injured at work. However, filing a claim, navigating the system, and collecting your benefits can be overwhelming. This is why seeking legal assistance when filing a workers’ compensation claim is essential.

A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand the process and ensure your rights are protected. They can provide valuable legal advice and representation throughout the entire process, from filing a claim to collecting your benefits. They should be able to represent you in court and provide legal advice on the best way to pursue your case.

Conclusion 

Workers’ compensation benefits are an essential form of protection for all employees. These benefits provide financial assistance to injured or ill employees due to their work duties. They can also offer coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to the injury. 

Lastly, it is essential for employees to understand their rights and options under workers’ compensation laws and to seek legal assistance from a workers’ compensation attorney if necessary.

Our legal professionals at Eames Law Group have the expertise and knowledge necessary to help you navigate the complex legal system. Contact us now to learn more about our services and how we can help you get the workers’ compensation you deserve.