Workers’ compensation can help with many of the concerns injured workers can face following a workplace injury or illness. For that reason, injured workers or workers who have become sick because of their jobs should be familiar with the different types of workers’ compensation benefits they can receive.
Workers’ compensation benefits are aimed at helping injured workers with wage replacement, medical treatment costs, and vocational rehabilitation when they have been injured on the job.
Wage Replacement
Wage replacement is intended to help with the lost earnings the worker suffers while they are unable to work due to their injury. The amount of wage replacement benefits the injured worker receives is based on the nature, extent, and duration of the disability they suffer as a result of their injuries. The wage replacement compensation that the injured worker may receive is based on 70% of their weekly wage but is subject to a state-imposed maximum.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment benefits are intended to help the injured worker with the costs of the medical care and treatment they need for their job-related injuries or occupational illness. In general, physical injuries that occur within the scope of the injured worker’s employment are compensable. There are timelines to report and there are important timelines associated with reporting occupational illnesses to review benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Workers’ compensation benefits may also be available to help injured workers with vocational rehabilitation to help get them back to work.
Workers’ compensation benefits are make-or-break benefits for many injured workers and their families. They should know what types of benefits are available and how to obtain them when they need the help.