A workers’ compensation policy is there to protect employees who are injured in the line of duty. Suppose you are injured or have an accident while at your workplace. You are eligible for some benefits as long as this policy is in place. However, the number of benefits you get varies from one state to another. It is crucial to work with a Workers’ compensation lawyer Albany, GA, to know how much you are eligible for and assist you in getting these benefits. This article will briefly discuss the four main types of workers’ compensation benefits. Read through to know if you qualify should you get injured at work.
Medical Coverage
The primary reason why most people file for workers’ compensation is to get their medical expenses covered. The coverage is meant to cover the costs the workers go through when treating illnesses or injuries. It includes medications, doctor’s visits, nursing care, hospital admission, medical equipment like wheelchairs, physical therapy, etc. These benefits are provided until the worker fully recovers. Most of the medical plans applied in these benefits include a network of practitioners, utilization management which involves assessing the necessity of medical care and pharmacy benefits.
Disability Benefits
These benefits intend to replace the wages or losses an employee incurs because of the injuries they suffered at work. However, these benefits fall into different categories. In temporary total, the employee is disabled for a short time, say six weeks. So, they receive these benefits for the six weeks away from work. In temporary partial, the worker can do subsequently small jobs until they heal completely. There are also permanent total disability benefits where the worker is permanently incapacitated such that they will not earn future income from the same job. Permanent partial is when the worker has sustained permanent injuries like hearing loss where they will not continue making the same amount of income as before. Therefore, a worker gets disability benefits based on the extent of the injury.
Rehabilitation Benefits
Rehabilitation benefits have been designed to help injured workers get back to work. Such benefits include help with finding a new job, career counseling and job training. If the injuries you have sustained do not allow you to return to the same type of work, vocational rehabilitation helps you get another suitable job and offers training. Workers also get psychological rehabilitation if they have suffered mental injuries.
Death
A worker may die while working or after a work-related injury in worst-case scenarios. In this case, the family, spouse, or children receive death benefits, including compensation for the loss and burial costs overage.
Covering Pain and Suffering
These benefits do not cater to pain and suffering. The victim will need to file a lawsuit to get compensated for the pain and suffering from the accident. You cannot sue your employer in such a case, but you may sue the contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer.
To Wrap It Up!
If you have suffered work-related injuries, it is advisable to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you navigate these benefits. The professional will ensure you get the proper settlement, and if the payment is not possible, the lawyer will help you sue the insurer.