(Newswire.net — June 28, 2022) — A workplace injury can take your life off the rails. If you have been injured on the job, it is essential to know when you can file for compensation for your losses. Workers’ compensation is insurance provided by employees to their workers.
Unfortunately, many people do not realize they can file for compensation after an accident. If you were injured at the job or have fallen ill, contact your HR department or manager immediately to report the incident and discuss your options.
Covered by Workers’ Compensation
To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must first have one. Your employer is responsible for securing this type of insurance for the employees. If you are unsure about your coverage, contact the HR department or manager to ask for information.
The legal requirements for mandatory workers’ compensation are different between states. In Plantation, and throughout Florida, all businesses with four or more employees must ensure workers’ comp. Companies with at least four employees must offer workers’ compensation insurance for all workers, regardless if they work part-time or full-time.
Occupational Disease
An occupational disease is defined as an illness caused by a type of work or the work environment. If you wish to claim workers’ compensation benefits, you must prove a connection between your job and the ailment. This can be difficult to do in some cases. Talk to a specialized doctor for more guidance and to determine if you qualify.
Workers’ compensation typically covers the following occupational diseases:
- Hearing loss
- Respiratory illnesses like tuberculosis and asbestosis
- Dermatitis (e.g. eczema)
- Cardiovascular disease
Accessing workers’ comp benefits for occupational disease can be more complicated than work-related injuries. The main difference is that it may take a long time for symptoms to develop and get noticed. This means that tracking down the source of the disease also becomes increasingly difficult.
You should not face this draining process by yourself. With experienced legal representation, the process becomes more manageable. Furthermore, having an attorney should relieve some of the stress associated with the proceedings.
Work-Related Injuries
Employees injured in a workplace accident can file for workers’ comp benefits. It is crucial to notify your manager of the incident as soon as possible. Furthermore, the HR department can walk you through the main steps you need to complete for claiming your benefits.
Common work-related injuries include:
- Overexertion
- Slip and fall injuries
- Being hit by objects
- Burns
- Open wounds
Therefore, if the injury resulted from your job, you could file for workers’ compensation. A good example is if you fell while working as an electrician and broke your arm. A Plantation personal injury lawyer can help you get the bonus you need.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The exact benefits you can claim under workers’ compensation depend on the specifics of your case.
Medical Benefits
If you were injured or contracted a disease at work, you may receive medical benefits through your workers’ compensation insurance. Your treatment can be covered if it is authorized by the insurance company and recommended by a physician. To learn more about accessing medical benefits, talk to a specialized lawyer.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary disability benefits cover employees who require time to recover. However, the first seven days off are typically not covered. If the injuries are so severe that they impede you from working for 21 days the seven-day gap may be covered as well.
If you qualify for these benefits, you will receive two-thirds of your weekly salary. However, there is a cap on the maximum amount you can access. This limit is adjusted yearly. For 2022, the limit is $1,099.
Permanent Impairment Benefits
After you complete the treatment plan prescribed by a physician, you will undergo a medical examination to diagnose any permanent impairment. This refers to any loss of function or lasting medical condition caused by a work-related injury or illness.
Under permanent disability benefits, you can receive 75% of the temporary total disability rate assigned to you. Your doctor or attorney can offer you more information based on the specifics of your case.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
If you are unable to return to work due to a permanent disability caused by an injury or illness, you may qualify for these benefits. The rate of your permanent total disability benefits is the same as the temporary total disability benefits.
Final Thoughts
If you were injured at work or suffer from a work-related illness you may receive workers’ compensation benefits. It is crucial to take action immediately and talk to a specialized lawyer to ensure that your rights and your future are protected.
About the author: Mark Scott
With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters, and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.