Workers' Compensation Insurance Benefits
If you have been injured on the job, you may be eligible to receive compensation to cover the following:
- Medical costs
- Up to two-thirds of your pre-injury salary, tax-free
- Expenses should you not be able to resume your pre-injury job duties
- Vocational rehabilitation (job training, placement assistance)
Be aware, however, that such insurance benefits are somewhat limited and will most likely not cover all your expenses.
On-the-job Injuries: What Qualifies for Workers' Compensation Insurance Benefits
Workers' compensation is typically awarded by law when an employee is hurt in a specific incident, such as a fall or other accident. Still, the system is not limited to injuries sustained in accidents. Illnesses or injuries incurred through participation in a normal, daily work environment or routine, such as repetitive stress injuries or problems from long-term exposure to toxic chemicals, may also qualify for benefits.
Mental illness or emotional problems are only occasionally covered, as these are more difficult to prove. As a result, most employees who suffer from job stress or job-related depression cannot usually rely on benefits from workers' compensation for assistance. If, however, an employee witnesses or experiences a traumatic event on the job that subsequently leads to mental or emotional problems, the employee may be eligible for workers' compensation, according to law. For example, a cashier robbed at gunpoint while on duty may be entitled to workers' compensation insurance benefits if he or she needs psychological treatment or counseling or treatment after the event occurs.
Have a Case? Find an Attorney
Do you have a workers' compensation case? A workman's comp lawyer can assist you in building your case, filing necessary motions, and obtain a favorable settlement or verdict. Find a workers' compensation attorney in LawyerShop national attorney directory.