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There are many different benefits that you may qualify for as a worker. One is workers’ compensation, an insurance policy that pays you for medical expenses and lost wages. You are entitled to these benefits, but you must first relinquish your right to file a lawsuit against your employer.
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation is an insurance plan that helps employees get compensated for the time off work and medical expenses related to an injury or illness. These can include travel expenses to and from appointments and medicines or prescriptions.
Some states provide relatively liberal benefits for injured workers. For instance, work-related injuries oregon and Washington offer several different forms of assistance for victims of workplace injuries. These states provide a range of benefits in addition to healthcare, including burial expenses and a death benefit for a worker’s dependents.
When it comes to medical expenses, most states have adopted a statutory limit for the number of treatment sessions that are allowed. However, there are some exceptions. You can get coverage for a few additional sessions depending on the form.
Expenses covered under a workers’ compensation plan include physical therapy, imaging studies, and prostheses. Usually, a diagnostic study such as X-rays or an EKG is considered adequate medical treatment.
Time Out of Work
There’s a good chance that you’ve received workers’ compensation if you’ve been hurt at work. A weekly payment based on a percentage of the typical weekly wage is the most prevalent type of benefit. In addition to the money, you can also take advantage of accumulated leave. This can be used to keep your regular paycheck or to supplement your income while you are out of commission. When you return to work, you will receive a hefty bonus.
The best part is that the process is quick and painless. A quick call to the Worker’s Compensation/Rehabilitation Unit will get you on your way. You will be given a check for the appropriate amount and a new Employee’s Leave Election form. After a waiting period of no more than seven days, your remittance will be on its way.
Of course, workers’ compensation will not pay for the first seven days of your absence. You can count on your employer to cover your stipend when you are in the office being examined or attending a Commission hearing.
Permanent Injury
Workers who sustain permanent injuries while performing their jobs are eligible for benefits. These benefits can be paid out in two ways.
The first way is through temporary total disability (TT). Workers may receive this benefit when they cannot return to work after a work-related injury. The second method is through permanent partial disability.
This type of disability is meant to compensate injured workers for wages they lost while in recovery. The duration of these benefits varies from state to state. The injured worker will generally receive one-third of the average weekly pay. A lump sum benefit may be awarded if the injury is severe enough.
In addition, some states offer indemnity benefits when an injured worker is out of work. However, insurance companies often try to deny compensation claims.
Many states have exclusions for certain groups of workers. This includes dependent minor children. Some states also offer exclusions for small businesses.
Retaliation in The Workplace
Injured workers should know that there are many protections against retaliation in the workplace. They are protected by workers’ compensation laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Retaliation in the workplace is an illegal action against a worker. Workers who are retaliated against can pursue a claim against their employer.
The first step in a retaliation claim is to document any hostile acts that occurred. This includes unwarranted discipline, demotion, or reduced hours. Talk with your supervisor or human resources department if you need help with what to report. Ask specific questions to learn more.
When filing a retaliation claim, you must show that the adverse job action directly relates to your workers’ comp claim. You can present evidence of your poor performance after the injury, proof that you performed well before the accident, and any correspondence from the employer indicating a change in attitude.
Whether a new or veteran employee, you have the right to be treated fairly. A retaliation claim can result in a pay cut, a decrease in benefits, or a termination.
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