An on-the-job injury has the potential to ruin your life. How would you pay your bills or buy groceries? Do you have enough saved to cover unexpected medical bills? As scary as getting hurt on the job may be, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits from your employer. What Is Workers’ Compensation? Workers’ compensation insurance is put into place to protect people who get hurt on the job. Each state has a law in place that requires most employers to provide a workers’ compensation insurance policy. These policies are provided at no expense to the employees. If you’re hurt on the job, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. This can help you get the medical care that you need for your on the job injury. It can help you by providing you with medical care, prescriptions, needed surgeries, therapy, and follow up visits to the doctor. Once you file a workers’ compensation claim, you can ask your employer for a list of doctors that you can see for free. Another major benefit of workers’ compensation is that it may provide a portion of your lost wages if you are unable to work because of your injury either temporarily or permanently. Burns From Work Different occupations have a risk of burns. Although a burn may seem minor, they can be severe. They can cause infections, loss of limb, disfigurement, and even loss of life. Electricians are at risk of electrical burns. Plumbers, janitors, or anyone who routinely works with chemicals are at risk of getting a chemical burn. Bakers, cooks, and servers are at risk of being burned during cooking and serving hot food. Burn hazards are also a real risk for many different occupations that you wouldn't expect to run the risk of being burned. For example, masons can be chemically burned from wet concrete, which is caustic. Severe sunburns are also a form of burn that anyone who works outdoors can run the risk of acquiring if they are not adequately protected, and they can also require medical attention. If you’re burned while on the job, you may need to call 911 if your burn is severe in nature. You should immediately seek first aid. First aid can sometimes stop the burning process, but it’s important that you follow up with a doctor to evaluate the burn. Getting Help With Medical Expenses If you’re burned on the job, workers’ compensation may provide you with several benefits. It may help with your medical expenses including medicines, skin grafts, or other necessary medical treatment. There are other benefits you may qualify to receive, too. Lost wages. If you’re unable to work because of your burn, you may be able to receive a portion of your lost wages either temporarily or permanently. Job training. If your burns disable you to the point that you won’t be able to return to your previous occupation, you may qualify for job training through workers’ compensation. This can help you develop skills to get a new job. Get Legal Help If you’re burned on the job, you should talk with a lawyer about your rights under workers’ compensation law. It’s important that you don’t sign anything without first speaking with an attorney. This ensures that you do not sign away any of your rights.
