Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides earnings replacement and health benefits to an employee who has suffered an injury while working. These benefits are in exchange for relinquishing the employee’s right to instigate a lawsuit against their employer for negligence.
Workers’ compensation is the country’s oldest social insurance program. It was begun in most states during the 1920s.
Compensation bargaining is a resolution outside the workers’ compensation system. One of the problems solved by this was employers becoming insolvent due to the high cost of damage awards.
Collective liability was created to prevent this from happening while at the same time ensuring compensation to the workers.
Providing for employees who are injured at work or acquire an occupational disease, the U. S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs administers benefits for four major disability programs.
- Medical treatment
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Wage replacement benefits
- Other benefits
Other groups cover their employees with the following programs.
- Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
- Federal Black Lung Program
- Federal Employees Compensation Program
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program
But why would you need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer?
Suppose your injuries are not clearly defined as work-related, require extensive medical care, involve a long absence from work, or result in a permanent disability. In that case, you need a worker’s compensation lawyer.
Many workers benefit from contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer.
What can workers compensation attorneys do for you? They will communicate with the workers’ compensation insurer on your behalf. He or she will gather medical evidence supporting your claim, negotiate a just settlement, and, if needed, represent you at the workers’ compensation hearing.
If you have recently suffered a workplace injury, the first thing you should do is report the incident to your employer. With your health being the number one priority, reporting the incident as soon as possible accelerates the medical treatment required and maximize your compensation.
The next step is to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer. He or she will look out for your best interest, making sure you understand all your rights and ensure that your receive the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney is your advocate during the entire process, from start to finish. Here is a list of some benefits your attorney will fight to get for you.
- Medical care
- Paid for by your employer, this will help you recover from your illness or injury. Included in this are doctor visits or any other treatment services, tests, prescriptions, equipment, or any travel costs as deemed reasonably necessary for your treatment.
- Temporary disability benefits
- If you lost wages because of your injury and it prevents you from doing your job while covering, you can acquire these benefits.
- Permanent disability benefits
- If you don’t fully recover and a permanent loss of mental or physical functioning results, you can acquire these benefits.
- Supplemental job displacement benefit
- If you require retraining or skill enhancement to obtain work because your employer has no work for you. You may also be eligible for an additional one-time payment under this program.
- Death benefits
- In the event of your death, your family or other dependents will receive payments.
Regardless of what your situation is, you need legal representation that will ensure you receive fair, timely, and appropriate medical care.