The Losses That Are Covered in Workers Compensation

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Every day, many workers across the country experience injuries while on the job. Even tiny wounds and bruises can cause more significant, even life-altering consequences, depending on how bad they are.

In cases where work-related activities cause an injury, workers’ compensation is in place to provide financial support for employees during their recovery process.

However, not all losses are covered under worker’s compensation laws. Employees and employers must have a good understanding of what falls under the umbrella of workers’ compensation to avoid misunderstandings or potential legal issues.

Here, we will discuss the losses covered under worker’s compensation benefits and how a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney can help navigate these complex laws.

Medical Expenses

The main purpose of workers’ compensation is to cover medical expenses for employees who are injured on the job. This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, medication costs, and any necessary surgeries or treatments related to the injury. In some cases, rehabilitation and physical therapy may also be covered.

It is important to note that these medical expenses must be deemed necessary for the treatment of the work-related injury. If an employee seeks medical care for a pre-existing condition that is not worsened by their job duties, it may not be covered under compensation.

Lost Wages

A part of workers’ employment benefits includes coverage for lost wages. If an employee is unable to work due to a work-related injury, they can receive compensation for the income they would have earned during that period.

The amount of lost wage benefits varies by state and is typically calculated based on a percentage of the employee’s injury salary. In some cases, employees may be able to receive benefits for temporary or permanent disability if their injury hinders their ability to work in the future.

Death Benefits

Tragically, some work-related injuries can result in death. In these cases, compensation provides death benefits to the surviving family members of the deceased employee. These benefits may include covering funeral expenses and providing financial support for the dependents of the deceased.

Occupational Diseases

Workplace illnesses or ailments that arise as a result of being exposed to risks at work are known as occupational diseases. These may include lung diseases from asbestos or chemical exposure, skin disorders from chemicals, and repetitive motion injuries.

Workers’ compensation covers occupational diseases, provided there is enough evidence to prove that the condition was caused by work-related activities.

Mental Health

Certain individuals may experience mental health problems in addition to physical ailments as a result of their job obligations or work environment. While not all states cover mental health under compensation, it is becoming more common for these types of claims to be recognized.

Final Thoughts!

While compensation is meant to provide financial support for employees who are injured on the job, not all losses are covered under these laws. To prevent any miscommunications or potential legal problems, employers and employees must both be aware of what is covered under the compensation umbrella.

A knowledgeable attorney can greatly benefit both parties when navigating the complexities of worker’s compensation laws. From ensuring proper medical care and coverage for lost wages to handling more complex claims, a worker’s compensation attorney can provide invaluable assistance during a difficult and often stressful time.