Workers' compensation is pretty precise in regards to what it covers and pays for. While some of the coverage might vary from one state to another because each state has its own workers' comp laws, some things are pretty general and across the board. Workers' compensation does cover hospital and medical expenses that are necessary to diagnose your injury or condition and then treat it. It will provide ongoing medical care as well. For example, if your condition requires surgical intervention or therapy or ongoing care with a specialist, your employer's insurer should take care of it. Your medical expenses are covered until you are released from a physician's care. If you reinjure yourself at work or if you have a flare-up, you should talk with your workers' compensation attorney about how to approach refiling a claim. Other Benefits In Addition To Medical Coverage In addition to medical coverage, workers' compensation will pay a portion of your wages while you are unable to work. While this can vary from one state to another, usually, benefits are payable after a week. Most states require workers' comp to pay about two-thirds of your regular pay while you are out. If you are going to be out of work for a long time, you might be able to reach a settlement with the help of a workers' comp attorney. Your lawyer will be able to determine how long you will be out of work. Also, the laws in your state determine how long workers' comp benefits can be payable. Your lawyer can properly set up the settlement so it will not be impacted by your Social Security Disability benefits if you are going to be disabled permanently. Special Benefits Through Workers' Compensation If you are unable to return to your specific line of work but can do other work duties, in some cases workers' compensation might offer vocational retraining benefits. This is to help you get back into the workforce and earn a living. However, your physician will have to indicate what kind of work you are capable of doing and if vocational retraining will benefit you. If a worker dies because of a work injury, death benefits might be payable to the worker's family. In either case, the guidance of a workers' compensation attorney is necessary to help you get on track and get the benefits that you are entitled to receive. Consult With A Workers' Compensation Attorney If you have been hurt at work, consult with a workers' compensation attorney. There is a statute of limitations, so you need to file your claim as quickly as possible. Without the help of an attorney, you might not receive all your benefits. Because a workers' compensation attorney usually works on a contingency basis, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. Any expenses advanced by the attorney and the attorney's percentage of the settlement will be paid out of the settlement that is reached. Schedule your free case evaluation today. Additional Resources Can Workers' Compensation Be Denied? I Was Hurt While I Was Not On Company Property. Could I Still File a Claim?
