Are you employed in Indiana and happened to suffer an injury while working? Were you exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals at work and get diagnosed with an occupational disease? If either is the case, you might be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits. While each state sets its own workers' comp laws, most employers are required to maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage for employees. Workers' comp offers medical benefits and covers a portion of the lost wages. How Much Does Indiana Workers’ Comp. Pay? If you were injured while working in the state of Indiana, you should know that the maximum weekly wage for workers’ compensation is $1,170. That’s the maximum amount that a worker who qualifies for temporary total disability can get. Temporary total disability means that you can’t work at all because of your injury, but that you will eventually be able to work again. You can continue to receive temporary total disability benefits up until you meet one of these requirements: You can return to any type of work You have received the benefits for 500 weeks You refuse to attend a medical examination that’s ordered by your employer's insurance company, or You refuse a job offer that, given your limitations, is suitable; or You have reached a stage known as "maximum medical improvement" (MMI) which means that your condition has improved as much as it is going to, even with more treatment. If you are injured on the job and you can still work but you can only do light work or modified work, then you can still receive some workers’ compensation, but it will be less than the amount you would receive for temporary full disability. If you can work limited hours, you can receive the difference between the amount of pay you receive now and the amount you would have received if you could work full-time at your old job. For example, if you were earning $600 a week working full time but now you can only work part time and earn $300, you could qualify to receive $300 a week in workers’ compensation pay. How Many Workers' Compensation Attorneys Are In Indiana? While the number is probably much higher, Avvo reported that Indiana had 154 workers' compensation attorneys as of February 2018. These are lawyers who handle cases for workers who have been hurt in workplace accidents or who are ill because of fumes, dust, and exposure to chemicals. You want a workers' compensation lawyer from the state where you were injured so you can be represented in court. In addition, the attorney will also be familiar with the state laws and can provide personalized representation. These are attorneys who stay current on workers' compensation and workplace injury laws, so they can help injured workers in such situations. What Can An Indiana Workers' Compensation Attorney Do For Me? Workers' compensation claims are complicated. Your employer and their insurer can deny your claim and allege that your injury or illness is not work-related. For example, you might have suffered lung damage from inhaling fumes in an automotive paint factory, but your employer might allege that you had a pre-existing lung condition and they aren't responsible for your situation. An attorney can gather evidence and documentation to appeal your claims denial. If your benefits are stopped, an attorney can fight for reinstatement. With a lawyer, your chances of a favorable outcome increase significantly. You should not try dealing with a claim on your own, but instead, get help from experienced legal counsel who understands such claims and the benefits process. Where Are Indiana Courthouses? Different courts are used for different claims. Here are some of the courthouses in Indiana where workers' compensation claims may be filed: Wayne County Courts 301 E Main Street Richmond, IN 47374 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monroe County Courthouse 100 W Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington, IN 47404 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Clinton County Courthouse 125 Courthouse Square Frankfort, IN 46041 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Your attorney will know where to file your case so time and resources aren't wasted. Speak With An Attorney! If you have suffered injuries or illness because of your employment, you need to consult with a workers' compensation attorney right away. In Indiana, the statute of limitations is within two years of the date of injury or within two years of the date after last compensation is paid. Your attorney will aggressively pursue your claim and help you access the benefits you are entitled to receive in such predicaments. Complete the information request form on this page and we will connect you with a workers' compensation attorney near you. Additional Resources Filing for Workers' Comp in Indiana Denied Workers' Comp in Indiana
