Workers' compensation is complicated and the laws regarding the benefits do vary from state to state. However, most employers in the United States are required to maintain workers' compensation coverage for their employees. Some workers' compensation benefits are payable immediately. Medical benefits for your injury or illness are payable right away. Even if your claim is later denied, you usually won't have to reimburse the workers' comp insurer for any medical expenses they have already covered for your condition. However, when other benefit payments kick in depending on the laws where you live and work and the severity of your condition. Kinds of Benefits You Can Receive If your injury or illness keeps you from working, you will be eligible to receive a benefits check that covers about two-thirds of your weekly wages, but there is a maximum payout established by each state. Before you receive your benefits check, you will receive a notice from the workers' compensation insurer that your claim has been accepted and approved. However, if your claim is denied, you will need to file an appeal in order to receive benefits. You should have a workers' compensation attorney representing you in such cases. You would initially receive temporary disability benefits, which are sometimes called time loss compensation. If your disability lasts more than two or three years, you would convert to permanent disability benefits. Any other benefits would not be paid until your claim is formally approved. Even after being told your claim has been approved, you will not receive benefits until you are entitled to receive them. Your physician will have to complete a form stating you are unable to work. Many states require you miss at least a week of work before benefits kick in. Different Workers' Comp Benefits The length of time that benefits are payable does depend on your state laws. In many states, temporary disability is payable for two or three years. Most states let long-term or permanent disability pay the rest of your life, but there are a few states that cut off the benefits when you reach retirement age at 65. Your benefits are calculated by looking at your weekly workers' comp benefit and multiplying that by 52 to see how much you would receive in a year. The number of years you are expected to be out of work is then multiplied by that figure. Your workers' compensation lawyer will determine the value of your claim. Consult with A Workers' Compensation Attorney If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, you should consult with a workers' compensation attorney. Your lawyer will help you file your claim, file any appeals that might be necessary, and aggressively pursue the benefits that you are entitled to receive. Most expenses are advanced by the attorney, so you have nothing to lose. You will not have to pay until your case has been settled. Schedule a free case evaluation today so you can get your claim on track. Additional Resources Workers' Compensation: How Much is Your Claim Worth? What Damages Can I Receive For My Claim?
