Certain occupations carry high risks of injuries. According to OSHA, some of these are construction, logging, roofing, and waste recycling. Physical pain, mental distress, and monetary loss can all result from being injured at work. It also affects your ability to earn an income.
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And that is where workers’ compensation comes into play. It is a type of insurance that provides financial compensation to workers for injuries at the workplace. Besides covering medical expenses, it covers lost wages and rehabilitation expenses.
A workers’ compensation attorney helps you recover damages for injury at the workplace. They will help you in filing a claim and receive compensation. Or, if you have recovered the damages but aren’t satisfied with the amount offered, you must still contact them.
Hiring an attorney is crucial in such cases because they will help you recover damages, go through the claims process, inform you about the available options, and protect your rights. Your attorney will also file the injury report within the stipulated time to be considered eligible for compensation.
Read on to learn about various compensation types, their process, etc., and how your lawyer can help you. Read on to know.
Types of workers’ compensation
As mentioned above, workers’ compensation is coverage that employers provide to workers for accidents at the workplace. It has four benefits: income, medical, burial, and death. Here’s some info on each of them.
Income
You are entitled to this benefit if you cannot work due to an injury. It seeks to replace the wages you lose during your absence from work due to the injury.
Medical
Your injuries may be minor or extensive, requiring major surgery. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you will need the appropriate medical care, which this benefit seeks to cover.
Burial
If your injuries are fatal, your employer or organization must bear the funeral expenses your family members would usually pay.
Death
Your family can claim death-related benefits if you lose your life because of injuries incurred at the workplace.
Is it compulsory for all employers?
The law makes it compulsory for all public employers, like government agencies and state employers, to provide medical coverage to their workers.
Building and construction contractors who handle public-funded projects should also provide these benefits. However, most private employers prefer providing this coverage rather than facing the risk of a lawsuit in the event of an injury.
How does the process work?
If you are injured at work, it is vital to report the injury to your supervisor or manager and seek medical attention without losing time. If you cannot file the report, you could ask someone else to do it.
Your employers will submit the report containing the details of the injury to the relevant body. They will analyze the case thoroughly to determine whether it was the employer’s fault or a result of your negligence or carelessness.
If the concerned body finds your claims valid, they will offer you compensation. You can either accept the amount and return to work or contact your lawyer to challenge the claim amount.
Why should you hire an attorney?
A lawyer attorney helps you receive a fair settlement, besides making the entire process easier. They will collect medical information, including gathering medical records, suggesting good doctors, collecting statements from medical experts, and showing the prevalence of poor safety standards at your workplace.
They will also negotiate with your employer’s insurer and provide them with the information they require. If you and your employer cannot agree, your attorney will represent you at the trial by making arguments, examining witnesses, and conducting the required research.
You must contact a workers’ compensation attorney if you have been injured at work and want adequate compensation. They will help you file the claims process, ensure you receive sufficient coverage and represent you in court during legal proceedings.
