If receive a severe injury on the job and are permanently scarred or disfigured because of it, do you know your legal rights? Workers’ compensation may provide you with benefits if you suffer a permanent scar or disfigurement because of an on the job injury. What Is Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is legally required for most employers. It doesn’t cost the workers anything to use it. If you are hurt on the job, you have the option to file a claim. Filing a claim may give you numerous benefits through workers’ compensation including: Medical care. If you were hurt on the job, you can get help with your medical care. This can include visits to the doctor, physical therapy, medications, and other needs you may have to recover. Lost wages. If you are unable to work because of your on the job injury, you may also be eligible to receive temporary or permanent pay of a portion of your lost wages. Job assistance. If you will no longer be able to perform the same job, you may be eligible to receive job training. Job training can help you find a new job. However, to receive benefits, you must first file a workers’ compensation claim. How Can Workers’ Compensation Help with Scars and Disfigurement? Each state has specific laws that deal with workers’ compensation. Most states have statutes within these laws that address scars and disfigurement. Depending on the severity of your scars and disfigurement, you may be eligible to receive permanent benefits. Some states take the severity of the permanent scarring and disfigurement into account when determining whether your qualify for permanent disability. In other states, workers receive a onetime payment. If you are permanently scarred or disfigured because you are hurt on the job, you should talk with a workers’ compensation attorney to learn about your specific rights in your state. Another factor often considered in workers’ compensation is the location of your scars and disfigurement. Some states will provide more compensation if your scars or disfigurement are on a part of your body that is commonly displayed, such as your neck or your face. Many states also allow some form of compensation for scars in other places. However, there are a few states that provide benefits for scars and disfigurement based only upon how it limits your ability to find work, return to work or do things in your daily life. Risks of Scars and Disfigurement Almost all workers are at risk of scars and disfigurement, but there are some who face a larger risk than others. For instance, if you drive on a regular basis for your job, you face the risk of being involved in a wreck that causes permanent scarring and disfigurement. If you work with chemicals, you are at risk of burns that cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. Cooks also face the same risk. Learn About Your Legal Rights When it comes to scars and disfigurements, it’s important that you speak with a workers’ compensation attorney in your state. As you’ve learned, how workers’ compensation will treat your scars and disfigurement will largely depend upon the state you live in It’s important that you learn about the legal rights in your state.
