What To Expect From Your Workers Comp Claim
If you have suffered a work-related injury and have filed a workers comp claim, you may be wondering how much help you can expect your employer's workers comp insurance agency to provide you. The main benefits provided are your full medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, but there could be much more available depending on the seriousness of your injury. For more information about what to expect from your workers comp claim, read on.
Lost Wages
The amount available depends on the classification of your injury.
1. Temporary: Though it varies by state, you are usually eligible to receive approximately 66% of your salary while you recover from your injuries. For this classification a full recovery is expected, but you can receive this benefit until your doctor clears you to return to work.
2. Partial: This classification means that while you may have a permanent disability that prevents you from doing your former job, you may be able to do other work or to work at reduced hours. Your percentage of disability is tied to your compensation. For instance, if you have been ruled partially disabled at 75%, you may be entitled to receive 75% of your former salary while earning your normal pay for the 25% of work you are able to do.
3. Permanent: Once you have been deemed at a level of maximum medical improvement (MMI), you have essentially been declared permanently disabled. This type of injury often involves severe injuries to major body parts, such as amputations or spinal cord injuries. The compensation offered is often in the form of a lump sum payment. It's vital to have the help and expertise of a workers compensation attorney when dealing with offers relating to permanent disabilities, since the considerations will involve a lifetime of lost wages, extensive and continuing medical expenses, and more. Most states do have a cap on the total settlement amount.
Medical Expenses
Any and all medical expenses, including treatments, tests, medications and durable medical goods (walking canes, raised toilet seats, etc), will be taken care of by the workers comp insurance agency. It should be noted that once you have been deemed permanently disabled, you may qualify for not only Social Security Disability, but also for coverage under your state's Medicare program for the disabled.
If you are finding it difficult to deal with your employer's workers comp insurance agency or if you're having problems getting your claim approved, contact a workers comp attorney as soon as possible for assistance. This program was put into place to help people just like you, so ensure that you are getting the most from workers comp with the help of an attorney.
