Many of the workers, especially those that have suffered severe injuries, may be worried on how they will pay their bills while they are recovering from their injuries. That is why there is workers’ compensation available to help the employee out in these circumstances. This system enables the provisions of compensation, medical expenses and wage loss to employees who are injured or fall sick at the place of work. If you require medical attention now, you will be able to search for workers’ compensation urgent care near me for the right treatment while meeting your records requirements.
In this article, you will learn about the lost wages that are covered in workers’ compensation, the amount you are likely to be paid and what you need to do in order to get the compensation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Employers’ liability is an insurance wherein the employer pays benefits to his employee due to work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits typically include:
✔ Medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation
✓ Money to be paid to the affected persons in form of compensation for wages lost during the time of their illness
✔ Disability benefits if the accident prevents the employee from working again
✔ The possibility of re-employment in another position if the employee fails to perform the tasks that he or she used to do
While each state has its own statutory system governing employees’ comp, the objective for all of them remains the same: the employees’ well-being and, more specifically, to follow a system that will not cause significant financial strain on the workers.
How Workers’ Compensation Covers Lost Wages
The major advantage of workers’ compensation is providing the employee with the wages lost while he or she is unable to work due to the injury sustained on the line of duty. Nevertheless, such opportunities are not unconditional, as there are the following preconditions:
1. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
If your injury is severe to the extent that you cannot work at all for any given period of time, you will be eligible to be paid under the Temporary Total Disability (TTD).
✔ Usually it is equal to two-thirds of the gross average weekly earnings of the worker
✔ Their advantages begin after a period of time, at least three days
✔ Payments may be made until one can go back to work or attains the medical maximum improvement (MMI).
2. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
If you can only go back to work, but cannot handle your full workload or responsibilities, it is possible you are eligible for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits.
✔ Provides for the loss of a portion of wages if one’s earning capacity is restricted
✔ Typically compensated at two-third of the wages earned before the injury less what would have been earned after the injury.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury leads to a lifetime disability, you are likely to be paid either PPD or PTD.
✔ If one can work but has a permanent impairment, the he/she is eligible for PPD benefits.
✔ PTD benefits give permanent wage supplement if one cannot work at all
4. Vocational Rehabilitation and Job Retraining
If a worker cannot go back to their previous job, workers’ compensation will pay for vocational rehabilitation services in order to help an individual find new job.
✔ Covers job training, education, and placement assistance
✔ Allows you to preserve your ability to acquire a decent job upon the necessity
How to Apply for the Lost Wage Benefits
For them to be eligible to receive lost wage benefits, the following procedures must be followed:
1. Report Your Injury Immediately
✔ Notify your employer as soon as possible after the injury
✔ Failure to do so may result to your disqualification in terms of your benefits.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
✔ Visit a workers' compensation urgent care near me for an evaluation
✔ Make sure the doctor puts down that you sustained an injury and could not work
3. File a Workers' Compensation Claim
✔ You are expected to be helped by your employer or his insurance company to go through the process.
Sure, retain printed copies of medical records, pay stubs and claim forms
4. Follow Doctor’s Orders
✔ All medical appointments and prescribed treatment regime should be complied with
Check this ☑ The repercussions of this are that one is bound to be confined to bed, lose their benefits, and may have to return to workplace against the advice of a doctor.
General Facts About Lost Wage Benefits
From how long are the lost wage benefits given?
✔ Temporary benefits continue until the time you are cured or can be declared as permanently disabled by your doctor.
✔ Such benefits may be received for life, depending on the degree of the injury sustained by the victim
Am I allowed to work while taking workers compensation?
✔ It is possible to work and earn reduced incomes, but it can lower one’s benefits.
✔ It is also important to practice carrying broken screwdrivers carefully and inform the doctor and employer before returning to work.
What if my claim is denied?
✔ One can appeal the decisions given through the workers’ compensation board in the respective state
Employing the services of workers compensation attorney is very important in ensuring that the rights of the workers are protected.
Final Thoughts
Workers’ compensation is meant to assure employee’s compensation in terms of medical expenses and income loss following an injury while on duty. In case of an accident at the workplace, searching for worker’s compensation urgent care near me facilitates treatment and beginning of the claim process.
To minimize your stress of being moneyless when injured, it is about time that you understand how lost wage benefits works and what measures to follow. All you should do in case you are delayed or denied a compensation is consult a lawyer so that you can be compensated well.
