In the immediate aftermath of a work-related injury, most individuals find that they can’t “shut their brain off.” Worries about affording medical care, making up for lost wages, wondering how long it will take to recover and how they’ll manage in the meantime all tend to understandably play on a loop in the minds of many injured workers. Thankfully, most of these worries can be put (relatively) to rest once the worker – if eligible – begins to receive a fairly valued workers’ compensation benefits award. The “tricky part” is making sure that one’s compensation claim is filed efficiently and effectively so that the benefits award accurately reflects an individual worker’s situation. Our firm is proud to assist injured workers in filing their claims in ways that better ensure a fairly valued award amount.
Please note that if you’re not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that our firm can help you explore alternative routes to compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your work-related injuries, we may be able to help you file a personal injury lawsuit against those who caused you harm.
Workers’ Compensation Awards – What Injured Employees Can Expect
Once your workers’ compensation claim is filed, you’ll understandably anticipate the moment that your benefits are awarded. Generally speaking, you can expect that your benefits award will cover a few different kinds of costs related to your injuries. Please note that each state’s workers’ compensation system works differently, employs various caps and award thresholds, and may offer different benefits overall. You’ll want to speak with an attorney about the exact “value” of your workers’ compensation claim so that you’ll know what to expect.
First, you’ll be compensated for medical costs not otherwise covered by insurance. This is a significant benefit as, depending on the kinds of injuries you’re dealing with, initial and follow-up medical care costs for work-related injuries can be astronomical. Second, you’ll be compensated for lost wages. Again, each state’s system is different. However, you can reasonably anticipate that whether you’re only going to be out a few days or you may be out for several months or more, your lost wages should be covered by your benefits award.
Another significant benefit of workers’ compensation coverage is vocational rehabilitation assistance. Say that you’re injured in such a way that you can no longer use your shoulder to the extent required by your previous position. Your workers’ comp coverage will almost certainly cover any retraining costs that may be associated with moving you to a position that accommodates your injury.
Finally, workers’ compensation coverage applies to families of loved ones who have lost their lives on the job. The specific costs associated with a job-related fatality should be discussed with an attorney.
Legal Assistance Is Available
Worrying about how you’re going to absorb injury-related costs isn’t a burden you should have to manage right now. If you have questions about a work injury case, contact a delray beach work injury lawyer at Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt to discuss your case in detail.