Getting hurt on the job can be frightening. What will you do if you can’t work? The bills don’t stop. In fact, there will be unexpected expenses, such as medical bills. In this blog post, a workplace injury lawyer will educate you on the basics of worker’s compensation. You’ll learn:
- What worker’s compensation is;
- Whether you should file a claim;
- Whether you can file a claim if your boss or supervisor state the accident was your fault; and
- The types of treatment that you may be entitled to receive.
There’s quite a bit to cover so let’s get started.
What Is Workers Compensation?
Worker’s compensation is a type of insurance that almost all business owners are required to carry. Workers do not need to pay anything to use the insurance. It is carried by businesses to help them pay for different types of expenses when a worker gets hurt or is made sick because of their work environment. For example, if you’ve seen commercials about asbestos exposure and the use of chemicals that cause diseases such as mesothelioma, then you know of a couple of conditions that could be covered by worker’s compensation if you are still on the job site.
Should You File A Claim?
Your boss or supervisor may ask you to not file a claim because their insurance rates may increase later. They may even promise to cover all of your medical expenses as our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC know all too well. However, that doesn’t mean they will. If you are hurt or sick because of your job, you should file the claim even if your boss attempts to make you feel guilty for doing so. Filing the claim is the only way that you can guarantee that your expenses will be paid. Remember, it costs workers nothing to use worker’s compensation.
Can You File A Worker’s Compensation If Your Employer Says It Was Your Fault?
What if your boss says the accident or illness were your own doing on the job site? The good news is that fault doesn’t matter for a worker’s compensation claim. It’s available for injured workers regardless of who was “at fault” when you file your claim.
What Types Of Treatment Are You Entitled To Receive When You File A Claim?
When you file a claim, the types of treatment that you may be entitled to receive may depend on your losses. Some of the most common treatments from worker’s compensation includes and is not limited to:
- Reimbursement of expenses that came out of your pocket (save your receipts!);
- Medical care, including and not limited to, surgeries, initial and follow-up doctor’s visits, medical supplies, and rehab expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Temporary disability;
- Permanent disability;
- Job training if you’re able to work but no longer able to do so in the capacity that caused your injury; and
- Loss of companionship.
If you have been injured on the job, contact a lawyer near you for help to review your case and ensure you receive proper representation.