Have you been injured at work? If so, you may have a lot of questions and are unable to find the right answers. Below, our workers’ compensation lawyers have addressed some of the most popular questions we receive most often. If you would like further assistance, please call to speak with a work injury lawyer today.
What Should I Know About Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is available for most employees who have been injured on the job. The program is meant to provide coverage for medical treatment and a portion of lost income when you cannot work. In general, any employer who has at least three employees must have this coverage. There are many different exceptions; therefore, if you don’t know whether you are eligible, you can call a workers’ compensation lawyer.
When Does Coverage Begin?
Workers’ compensation coverage should begin on your first day of employment. If you are unsure, you might consider reviewing your employee handbook.
What Steps Should I Take After an On the Job Injury?
Following an on the job injury, you should report what happened to your employer as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, you may lose your ability to recover benefits. In the event you are incapacitated, family members may be able to file a claim on your behalf.
Injuries Covered By Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers injuries that occur while you are working. In other words, the injury must have happened while you are performing your work duty and because of your job. The injury does not necessarily have to happen at the site of your job, but rather is covered as long as it occured in the course of your work day. For example, a delivery driver, who was making deliveries, would likely be covered.
Activities That May Not Be Covered
In general, you will not be covered for benefits during your lunch break or while commuting to and from work. If you were injured at these times, you may need to file your own insurance claim. Engaging in reckless behavior or horseplay, or being injured in an accident caused by intentional misconduct will likely disqualify you from the benefits.
What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
After you have been injured on the job you may have the right to recover benefits for your associated medical care, rehabilitation, and a portion of your lost wages. Additional compensation for necessary travel expenses might also be covered. If you cannot work, the amount of lost income you can receive is set by law. In general this is approximately two thirds of your weekly wage. When the injury resulted in death, benefits for any dependents, as well as funeral expenses may be available.
Give a workers’ compensation lawyer a call to schedule an initial consultation with a leading law firm. They’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you to understand what you should do now.