Most individuals go to work and do not expect to have an accident that results in an injury. In reality, job-related accidents and occupational illnesses are not uncommon. Our experienced attorneys can help you obtain workers’ compensation benefits if you have been injured and cannot work.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation provides temporary disability benefits while you cannot 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 to recover. The state or the employer’s insurance company pays for the treatment.
- Lost Wages: An employee who cannot 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 with a permanent impairment that results in a total disability or a partial disability. However, determinations of monetary awards vary from state to state. Permanent total disability benefits are provided to workers who can never return to work due to a workplace injury or illness. These benefits are regular monetary payments that are a percentage of the worker’s wages at the time of the injury.
- Death Benefits: If a worker is killed on the job or dies from complications of a job-related injury or illness, their family members may be entitled to collect benefits.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured At Work?
If you have been injured at work, you should immediately obtain first-aid or 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. 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. You need a highly skilled and compassionate attorney if you have been injured at work. Workers’ compensation laws are complex, and your employer or insurance company may try to deny payment of your benefits. Our workers’ compensation attorneys will fight to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Attorney’s 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.