Workers’ compensation is a lifeline for some people who have been injured at work. The benefits that they receive can help injured workers to continue to afford the basic necessities of life until they are once again able to go back to work. There are several points about workers’ compensation that all workers should understand in case they get injured.
Workers’ compensation doesn’t cover only injuries. It also covers illnesses that are work-related. An example of a work-related illness could be a worker who was exposed to asbestos and subsequently diagnosed with mesothelioma. It is important to know that workers’ compensation generally won’t cover accidents that were caused by a worker being under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if the injury was purposely self-inflicted.
The benefits of workers’ compensation include covering the medical bills associated with the injury or illness. There is also a benefit that covers a portion of the wages that the worker missed while they were off of work because of the accident or illness.
Other benefits include survivor benefits if a worker is killed on the job, and compensation for injuries that are permanent. There is also a benefit that can pay the costs to train you to do a new job if your injury or illness doesn’t allow you to do the job you did before.
If you are injured at work or suffer from a work-related illness, make sure that you fully understand the workers’ compensation program. Get answers to any questions that you have about the program by discussing the matter with a legal professional or someone else who has knowledge of the program.
Source: FindLaw, “Workers’ Comp Benefits Explained,” accessed Jan. 22, 2016
