What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of insurance that provides a worker injured on the job with benefits including replacement of lost wages, support paying medical bills, or occupational or physical therapy.

In exchange for being provided workers’ compensation benefits, the employee must give up his right to sue the employer for the injury. Workers’ compensation should cover what is necessary for the employee injured on the job to recover and return to work.

State law, the federal government, and the US Department of Labor state workers’ compensation should compensate a worker for their work-related injuries. If you feel you have not been properly cared for or compensated for your workplace injuries, contact the law offices of Cochran, Kroll, and Associates, P.C. to learn how we can help you get the benefits you are entitled to.

Medical Expenses

When injured on the job, providing you with immediate and comprehensive medical care is the primary function of workers’ compensation insurance. This includes any and all related visits to the emergency rooms, surgeries or procedures, and ongoing medications.

For the first 28 days, the employer may select the medical care provider. If medical care is needed longer than a month, the patient can request a different doctor, and likely should since using the employer’s provider may be considered a conflict of interest.

Wage Replacement

When you cannot work due to a work-related injury, your lost wages should be covered by workers’ compensation. Temporary disability allows you to recover your wages and you are eligible to start receiving benefits 3 days after you start losing wages.

In most cases, victims are paid two-thirds of their regular wages. You may also apply for permanent disability benefits if the condition continues to affect you or prohibits you from safely working, or working poses a threat to your health due to the injury.

It is possible to apply for full wage reimbursement in some cases through third party insurance. Contact our law offices to learn more about how you can apply for third party insurance.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If the injury you suffered at work requires additional medical, emotion, or mental support for you to make a full recovery, the workers’ compensation can cover that as well. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, and support groups.

Death Benefits

In the event that a workplace injury has led to a death, workers’ compensation can help with funeral expenses, family support, and grief counseling. The death of a loved one can be a difficult experience emotionally and financially and benefits may be provided as reimbursements of unexpected and expensive events.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

If you have been injured at work, you are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. In order to do so, notify your employer immediately, who will submit a claim on your behalf. Once the claim is approved, you can begin receiving benefits. Benefits should cover any immediate hospitalization and incurred emergency costs.

If you have any issues with your claim after you have filed it with your employer or have not started receiving benefits for your injury, contact our team at Cochran, Kroll, and Associates, P.C. to learn about what you can do to solve it.

If you need assistance filing a claim, our lawyers can walk you through the process or act as your representative. If you have been declined benefits and don’t know why our team can research and negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get what you are eligible for.

In Sum

Worker’s compensation insurance is an important way to make sure the workers, especially those who work in high-risk environments are protected in the case of injury. It also protects employers and small businesses from being sued by injured employees.

Workers’ compensation provides support for injured workers including lost wages, medical bills, or occupational therapy. These benefits do not only apply to immediate care but prolonged or permanent support if necessary.

At Cochran, Kroll, and Associates, P.C. our team is familiar with workers’ compensation claims, from minor falls and slips to more life-threatening and serious conditions. If you need assistance filing a workers’ compensation claim or do not feel you are receiving the benefits you deserve, call us at 866-MICH-LAW for a no-obligation consultation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.