When a person is injured at work, it can be a very stressful situation. Between worrying about the cost associated with medical care and missing work to recover, there is a lot to think about. Fortunately, workers’ compensation will ease some of the financial burdens, allowing time to heal. A Workers Compensation Attorney is here to help those that have been injured understand their rights and collect the benefits they are entitled to. Here are some common questions that clients have had.
What Types of Injuries are Covered by Workers’ Comp?
Worker’s compensation covers just about all injuries that happen on the job. This can be a serious injury like being struck by an object. Also, there are injuries that develop over time due to repetitive movements. For example, someone working in an office can suffer carpal tunnel syndrome from the repetitive action of typing. In these situations, it is possible to receive benefits.
What do the Benefits Include?
Workers’ compensation covers all medical expenses that stem from the injury. This would be anything from hospitalization, surgical procedures, and physical therapy to medication. Also, these benefits cover reimbursement to the injured employee for lost wages. The amount is typically only two-thirds of a person’s regular pay, but the payments are not taxed, so that offsets the difference. In cases where workers have very serious injuries involving paralysis or traumatic brain injury, they can also be eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits.
What if the Injured Person was at Fault?
When speaking with a Workers Compensation Attorney, they will explain that it doesn’t matter who was at fault for the accident. Basically, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. So, if the injured person overlooked a safety measure and was injured as a result, they can still receive benefits. This also means that, unlike a personal injury case, there doesn’t have to be proof that someone else was at fault to collect compensation.
Another thing that is important to keep in mind is, by filing a claim and collecting benefits, a person gives up their rights to sue the employer even if they believe the employer’s negligence led to the injury. Chris Richard, Attorney at Law, can review their client’s options and give sound legal advice. Learn more by visiting chrisrichardattorney.com. Call for a free initial consultation. You can also visit them on Facebook for more information.
