Workers’ compensation is not just a safety net but a tool that empowers employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It provides crucial financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, aiding recovery and facilitating a return to work.

Knowing the benefits you are entitled to is not just important; it’s empowering. It puts you in control of your recovery and financial stability, making a significant difference in your journey.

Despite the staggering number of workplace injuries, many workers are unaware of their rights and benefits. This is where calling a workers’ compensation attorney becomes crucial. They can help you know your rights, navigate the complex procedure of filing a claim, and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

In this article, we will dive into the benefits a victim is eligible to receive through a worker’s compensation claim. Read on.

Medical Treatment Coverage

Injured workers are entitled to comprehensive medical treatment coverage. This coverage includes a wide range of treatments, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries (including major procedures like heart surgeries and minor procedures like dental surgeries), diagnostic tests (such as X-rays, MRIs, and blood tests), physical therapy, chiropractic care, and prescription medications (including both short-term and long-term medications).

Compensation for Lost Wages

The architects of the workers’ compensation system designed it with a clear vision of fairness, ensuring just treatment for employees who cannot work because of workplace injury or illness. They may be eligible for compensation to replace lost income, typically amounting to two-thirds of the worker’s mean weekly wage, up to a maximum set by state law. This system, built on the principle of fairness, aims to make every worker feel valued and respected.

Rehabilitation Services

Rehabilitation services are integral to the recovery process for injured workers. These services may include physical therapy (to regain strength and mobility), occupational therapy (to relearn daily tasks and work-related skills), vocational rehabilitation (to explore new job opportunities and develop new skills), and job retraining programs (to learn new skills or adapt existing skills for a different job). 

According to a reliable U.S. Department of Labor report, vocational rehabilitation services helped over 133,000 individuals with disabilities find employment in 2020.

Vocational Training Assistance

In cases where a worker cannot return to their previous job because of a work-related injury, vocational training assistance offers a beacon of hope. This benefit helps injured workers acquire new skills and transition into alternative employment opportunities, providing an optimistic pathway to a new career. 

The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute found that in 2020, approximately 18% of injured workers who received vocational rehabilitation services returned to work with a different employer, demonstrating the potential for a fresh start and a brighter future.

Death Benefits for Dependents

If a worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness, their dependents or relatives may be eligible for death benefits. These benefits typically include financial support to compensate for the loss of income and may also cover funeral expenses. 

To apply for these benefits, you must usually provide a death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased worker, and any other relevant documents as required by your state’s workers’ compensation board. According to an accurate and verifiable report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4,764 fatal occupational injuries in the United States in 2020.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Workers with permanent disabilities may receive ongoing compensation to support their long-term needs. The formula that considers the severity of disability and its impacts on the individual’s capacity calculates the amount of permanent disability benefits.

This formula varies by state, but it generally involves a percentage calculation based on the type and extent of the disability.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Temporary disability benefits provide financial support to workers recovering from a temporary disability. These payments typically amount to two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage and continue until the doctor clears the worker medically to return.

To apply for these benefits, you typically need to furnish medical documentation of your injury or illness, a statement from your employer confirming your inability to work, and any other relevant documents as required by your state’s workers’ compensation board.

Compensation for Travel Costs Associated with Treatment

Workers may be reimbursed for travel expenses while seeking medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness. This benefit helps reduce the financial burden of transportation costs for medical appointments, including mileage reimbursement or coverage for public transportation expenses.