Workers’ Compensation law was formed to protect injured workers. Before the institution of these laws, industry giants were not required to bear the costs for on-the-job injuries. So, Workers’ Compensation laws were created to provide employees with the right to protect themselves in the event of an on-the-job accident.
As was the case 100 years ago, it is just as important for employees of today to know their rights should they be injured at work. Failure to know and assert your rights in a timely manner could result in lost benefits, both medical and monetary.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ Compensation is a state-required insurance program that provides compensation, medical treatment, and other relief to workers who are injured at work. Workers’ Compensation benefits are different from state to state because every state has its own set of laws and programs.
Which Medical Expenses Covered Under Worker’ Compensation?
Although each state has its own rules and regulations, workers’ compensation laws typically provide the following coverage:
- Hospital and medical expenses required to diagnose and treat your injuries, which include doctor visits, medication, and surgery.
- Vocational Rehabilitation benefits include job placement, counseling, and retraining. In certain instances, the various laws also cover the education and training required to regain the necessary skills and abilities to return to work.
- Wage loss in the form of monetary benefits that cover an injured worker’s lost wages while they are recovering from their injuries.
- Permanency claims for a person whose injuries do not result in a 100% recovery, which is typically a monetary award paid as a result of an accident at work. This permanency award can be paid in a lump sum or over a period of time depending on the circumstances of the case and the place of the accident.
- Death benefits may be provided to the relatives of an injured worker whose accident results in death. The financially dependent relatives (spouse, child, parent, or sibling) of a deceased worker whose work-related injury resulted in death may be entitled to reco
Which Conditions, Injuries, And/or Illnesses Are Covered Under Workers Compensation Laws?
Employees may make a claim and receive benefits for the following injuries and illnesses, based upon the location of your accident, some or all of the following may result in benefits:
- Injuries caused by an accident such as a slip, trip, or fall;
- Injuries caused due to the overuse or misuse of instruments or machines over a long period of time (repetitive stress injuries or chronic pain from work-related exertion); and
- Illnesses that gradually arise or result from work conditions (heart diseases, lung diseases, or stress-related problems).
Contact the Law Offices of Andrew S. Kasmer P.C., if you have been injured at work, whether or not your employer or their insurance company has paid or denied you benefits because our experienced, diligent, and compassionate attorneys and staff will help you obtain the maximum monetary award and benefits to which you are entitled to under the law.