Workers who get hurt on the job are provided with an easy and valuable way to pay for their medical expenses, and a few other things. At no cost to the injured worker, the employer's workers' compensation carrier will foot the bill for not only medical care associated with the injury, but for a certain amount of their wages as well. Read on to learn more about what you can expect to be paid for your work-related injury.
A portion of your pre-injury salary: Since workers' comp is not a federal program, every state sets its own rules and regulations. In most cases, workers can receive approximately 66.6% of their salary while at home recuperating from the injury. In some cases, there is a limit to how long these benefits can go on, but the money is always tax free and usually paid weekly.
Two phases of injury:
1. Temporary – This is the first category workers land in when they get hurt. Most of the time, the worker gets better and is cleared by their doctor to return to work.
2. Permanent – Once you are unable to return to work in a timely manner, you will be asked to take part in a medical evaluation process known as an independent medical examination. If the results of this exam finds you so badly injured that you will likely never be able to return to your previous job, you are ruled to be at maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Permanent Full or Partial Disability
You may still be able to do some types of work depending on your level of disability. That level is labeled with a percentage. For example, you may be ruled to be 75% disabled. If possible, you might be re-trained to work light duty, part time or other means of work. Your compensation depends on the level of disability, since at less than 100% disability you may be able to earn some money. If your disability is at 100%, you are entitled to a settlement from the workers comp carrier.
100% Disability
The determination of the exact amount of compensation is negotiable, but your initial offer will depend on things like your previous salary, your education, your age and more. It cannot be overemphasized how important to your financial future it is to seek legal help when you are 100% disabled. A workers comp attorney can help you to understand what you are entitled to and how to get it.
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