Regardless of your industry, you run a risk of being injured on the job. Perhaps you were already injured in Georgia, in which case you may have reported your injury and told your employer that you’d be filing a workers’ compensation claim. Below are the four types of benefits that a worker can be eligible for in filing such a claim.
Coverage for all medical expenses
You may have had to go to the emergency room, make visits to your doctor, undergo medical treatments, and take prescription drugs. All of this can be covered under the workers’ comp program in addition to travel expenses to and from the hospital or medical center. Even medical devices like wheelchairs and crutches are covered.
Temporary or permanent disability benefits
Temporary disability benefits are paid out when injured workers cannot return right away to work. They begin to be paid out on the eighth day of the disability unless the victim’s condition persists for two weeks or more, in which case the benefits will cover the first seven days as well. Benefits usually provide two-thirds of the victim’s average weekly pay.
Permanent disability benefits are divided into total and partial disability benefits. Disabled workers can receive these once they have achieved what’s called maximum medical improvement.
Death benefits for the decedent’s family
If workers die on the job, the family can be eligible for death benefits, which cover loss of wages as well as funeral and burial expenses. The decedent’s weekly income and the number of dependents will largely determine the amount paid out.
Legal assistance for your claim
Workers’ compensation law can be tough to understand, and if you’re still recovering from serious injuries, you may not want to handle everything yourself. This is where a lawyer might come in to help you file the claim and, if necessary, any appeals. It’s important to remember that you may receive benefits even if you were at fault for the incident. The lawyer might also discuss the two ways to settle a claim.
