No one wants to be injured on the job. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. When they do, you need to be prepared for the long-haul; that time between the accident and your return to work. If you've been injured on the job, one of the first things you'll need to do is hire an attorney; if you haven't already done that. Hiring an attorney for your workers compensation case can mean the difference between getting the care and service you need, and being left without proper coverage. Now that you're injured, you need to know what you're basic rights are. Here are four benefits you should receive under workers compensation coverage through your employer
Treatment for Your Injuries
When it comes to workers compensation coverage, your basic protection comes in the form of treatment for your injuries. Your personal health insurance shouldn't be used to care for on-the-job injuries. As soon as you're injured, you need to tell your employer so that they can get you to the doctor. If your employer drags their feet doing the paperwork, visit a local emergency room and let them know that your injuries are work-related. That will get the paperwork going quicker so that you can get the care you need.
Payment for Your Loss of Wages
If your injuries are going to put you out of work for a while, you're going to need money to live on. Unfortunately, your regular paychecks will stop as soon as you're no longer able to work. That's where another portion of workers compensation comes in to play. Through workers compensation, you'll receive weekly checks that will serve as partial payment for your lost wages. Those payments will continue for as long as you're out on workers compensation.
Vocational Training When Modification Isn't Possible
Once your doctors have decided that your injuries are stable, they'll decide if you're able to return to your normal job. If the doctors determine that you'll require modifications, your employer will be asked to make those accommodations for you. If your employer is unable to make the necessary accommodations to modify your job duties, you may be entitled to vocational training. One of the benefits of vocational training is that you'll be trained in a job that will accommodate your new limitations.
Compensation for a Permanent Disability
If it's determined that your injuries will leave you with a permanent disability that will make it impossible for you to return to the workforce, you may be entitled to permanent disability. This is when it will be most important for you to have a workers compensation attorney, such as from John V. Boshardy & Associates, P.C., working for you. They'll be able to negotiate a settlement that will be fair for the injuries you sustained, and the disability you'll be left with.
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