Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Employees that suffer a work-related accident or illness are entitled to Workers’ Compensation insurance benefits. Knowing what benefits are available and what your legal rights are to claim these benefits can ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available.
What Type of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can I Expect?
State laws regarding Workers’ Compensation benefits vary, but most plans include the following benefits:
- Medical Benefits: Doctor visits, prescription medications, surgeries, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, wheelchairs, walkers, assisted mobility devices, and pain management services related to work injuries or illnesses are covered under Workers’ Compensation.
- Rehabilitative Services: Workers may require physical or cognitive therapy as part of their recovery or ongoing medical treatment plan. These benefits are provided under Workers’ Compensation insurance. Vocational rehabilitation services are also provided for those that need retraining to return to their job or for those unable to return to their former line of work. Vocational rehabilitation can cover the cost of evaluation, tuition, retraining, and expenses incurred with these services.
- Disability Benefits: Compensation for lost wages is available for those workers that cannot return to work. There are four different categories of disability benefits:
Temporary total disability is offered to those that cannot work during a short-term recovery period.
Temporary partial disability provides differential pay when an injured worker can only return to work in a limited capacity for a limited amount of time.
Permanent partial disability is offered to workers with a disability that partially limits their ability to work. The length of payments is limited in most states.
Permanent total disability is for workers that have suffered an injury or illness that prevents them from returning to work in any capacity.
- Death Benefits: Compensation is available to spouses, children, and other relatives that were financially dependent on a worker who suffered a fatal work-related injury or illness. A portion of the worker’s salary will be paid in increments or in one lump sum to compensate for the loss of the deceased’s income. A funeral expense benefit is also available to the family.
Are there Limits or Restrictions to Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
In most states, employers can require injured workers to get medical treatment from a list of authorized doctors and medical facilities. Prior authorization for medical and diagnostic testing and treatments may be necessary. While most treatments and tests are covered by Workers’ Compensation benefits, experimental and investigative therapies may be denied.
Workers’ Compensation benefits are calculated using the salary or wages earned before the workplace injury or illness occurred. The average benefit amount is two-thirds of the employee’s wages. Compensation from Workers’ Compensation are generally not subject to income taxes.
In some cases, Workers’ Compensation benefits can be initially denied. An experienced and knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer can dispute the denial through an appeals process. There are strict deadlines to be met during the appeals process and evidence required to support the claim.
Piscataway Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Help Injured Workers Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you have suffered a work-related illness or injury, you may be eligible for compensation. Our Piscataway Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr will fight for your rights and help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us online or call us at 732-537-8570 for a free consultation. Located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we also serve clients in New Brunswick, Somerset, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
