If you have suffered a concussion in a work-related accident, odds are you are anxious for your workers’ compensation claim to be settled. After all, you do have living expenses and your inability to work has affected your family’s finances. Settling a workers’ compensation claim can be challenging. The process might be complicated, depending on the severity of your injuries, your time off work, and other factors. Sometimes workers’ compensation claims are outright denied. In those instances, an appeal must be filed. Sometimes benefits are suddenly stopped. In those situations, an attorney will have to fight to get your benefits reinstated. What Benefits Are Offered Workers’ compensation offers various benefits. Medical benefits are included. These benefits will cover the cost of your medical expenses in relation to treating your injury. A concussion can lead to ongoing medical care, and just like any other head trauma, it can lead to lasting effects. You could suffer a post-concussion syndrome or other condition that requires ongoing visits to a neurologist or other specialist. You might have extended absences from work and might have to miss more work in the future. Your attorney will look at your overall case and help determine how to proceed with your claim and which way is the best to proceed. Settling Your Claim Workers’ compensation will cover your medical bills and cover a portion of your lost wages. Usually, that is about two-thirds of your regular pay. However, the state sets maximum payout amounts. Your lost wages are sent in weekly checks. Sometimes, a settlement agreement is reached where the injured worker receives a lump sum instead of weekly checks. To come up with the value, the weekly payable amount is multiplied by the number of weeks the worker will be out of work. For example, if the weekly received wage is $400 and you are unable to work 20 weeks, it totals $8,000. Additional funds might be added on top of that figure if you are willing to give up future benefits. For example, the physician might say your concussion has a 25% chance of requiring physical therapy in the future. Instead of workers’ comp covering that expense, they will pay you a dollar amount for that care. The money is available in your settlement if you need therapy and it is still yours if you don’t need therapy. Reaching a settlement might go quickly, taking only a few weeks, or it could be a drawn-out process that ends in court. Consult With A Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have suffered a concussion in a work-related accident, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. The claims process can be challenging and drawn-out. Without an attorney, you are not going to get as much as you are entitled to receive. Don’t risk missing out on benefits, so complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today to get your case reviewed at no charge. Time is of the essence. Additional Resources Tips for Applying for Workers’ Compensation with a Concussion Concussions and Workers' Compensation Claims
