1. What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance required by law to cover accidents, injuries, or illnesses that occurs among employees while at work, provided that certain conditions are met.
2. How do I know if I am covered?
There are certain elements that must be met before you will receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, despite having to prove certain things, you are not required to prove that the accident was not your fault. Workers’ compensation provides coverage to an employee no matter who is at fault. It is also provides coverage for certain work-related illnesses. However, there are a few restrictions to be aware of. If you are found to have been under the influence of any type of drug during the time of the accident, you will likely not receive workers’ compensation. In addition, if you received an injury as a result of doing your job in the normal and customary way, you may not be covered. Regarding illnesses, only certain work-related illnesses, called occupational diseases, are covered, so if you have suffered an illness related to work it is important that you check with an experienced attorney to see if you may be entitled to benefits.
3. What types of bills does workers’ compensation cover?
In most cases, workers’ compensation covers any bills such as prescriptions, hospital stays and doctor visits that are directly related to the injury sustained or work-related sickness developed. Workers’ compensation may also reimburse you for travel expenses, should you have to travel longer distances away from your home for treatment. In addition workers’ compensation pays you if you are out of work, at a rate of two-thirds (2/3) of your average weekly wage. In more serious cases, workers’ compensation may provide compensation for employees who have become permanently disabled as a result of an accident while on the job as well as compensation to families who have lost a loved one due to a work-related accident.
4. Do I need a workers’ compensation attorney? Why?
If you have been injured at work, chances are your relationships with your bosses and employers are in flux. In the midst of attempting to recover, communicating with your employer and your employer’s insurance company can be overwhelming and complex. Without the help of an attorney, you are at great risk for not receiving the full compensation you may be entitled to. In many cases employers and their representatives lead you into putting comments on the record and answering questions that leave you with less support and less monetary compensation without you realizing it. Hire an attorney to protect your rights. In order to focus on your recovery and receive that to which you are entitled, you need a seasoned attorney on your side.
