If you have been hurt on the job or if you are suffering from a work-related illness, you might be wondering if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you are able to work. The answer to that would be yes. You can receive workers’ compensation benefits if you are able to work. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits coverage, which cover the costs of all your medical bills related to your work illness or injury. Regardless of whether you are unable to work, so long as you need medical care you should pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ Compensation Benefits While each state sets its own laws regarding workers’ compensation, the benefits are pretty much the same. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits, which cover the cost of care for the work-related injury or illness. This includes physician visits, hospital cares, testing and lab work, prescriptions, and medical devices prescribed by the treating physician. Most states allow the employers and their insurers to determine which physicians or medical providers that you use. They will have a list posted of these in-network workers’ compensation healthcare providers. If you don’t see an approved physician, you are responsible for your own medical care costs. Be sure to ask for a copy of the list of approved providers. Usually, you can only change medical providers under certain circumstances, so choose carefully. Workers’ compensation also covers about two-thirds of a worker’s salary while he or she is unable to work and is recovering. In this case, if you are not unable to work those benefits will not apply. Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim If you have suffered an injury on the job, or if you are suffering from a work-related illness, you will need to get medical care right away from an approved medical provider. You will also need to report your incident to your employer as soon as possible. While the incident is fresh in your memory, jot down some notes. You will have to give a detailed statement explaining the incident and specifically how you were injured. This will be included in the accident report. Any witnesses will give statements as well. These statements can significantly impact the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim. Specific deadlines must be met as well and failing to meet deadlines and make sure all documents are accurately completed could result in a claim being denied. Consult with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Claims that are denied must be appealed and any benefits that are stopped needs an attorney’s attention to get benefits reinstated. Workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have a lawyer licensed in your state to review the details of your case and get your claim on the right track. Time matters, so get your claim reviewed today! Additional Resources Workers' Compensation Attorneys by State How Long Does it Take to Settle a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
