Workers’ compensation is there for you in the case you are injured or suffer illness in the course of your job. If you suffer some type of illness because of your job, it is likely you will be covered. You can suffer either temporary or permanent disability to be considered for workers’ compensation. Here is what you need to know:

How Does It Work?

In order to receive workers’ compensation, you will need to first notify your boss or the HR department that you have suffered an illness. They will give you the appropriate paperwork to fill out. Then, you will need to seek medical care from the provider your employer deems appropriate. This is important because going to the wrong provider can mean that your bills aren’t covered by your employer.

When you do seek medical care you will be asked—likely while filling out paperwork—whether your injury or illness is work-related. Make sure to mark that this is the case on any paperwork.

Who Pays For Workers’ Compensation?

Your employer pays for workers’ compensation insurance through one of three likely possible means. They may pay:

• an insurance company
• into a state-run insurance plan
• workers

Employees do not pay workers’ compensation insurance.

What If the Accident Was My Fault?

In most cases, you will still be covered by workers’ compensation insurance, even if the accident was your fault. This is what you need to know: because workers’ compensation insurance doesn’t recognize fault on either your or the employer’s behalf.

How Much Will I Receive For My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

This depends on the severity of your injury which is determined by a doctor. The state you live in will decide how long you can receive benefits for temporary disability, but these typically max out in up to seven years. Meanwhile, there is likely no limit on how long you may draw permanent disability benefits.

You will typically receive around 60% of your average pay, weekly. However, there are caps on how much you can earn so if you earn a particularly high wage, you may be getting significantly less than your actual pay.

You will typically be paid weekly according to your average wage and can expect to have medical expenses reimbursed as well. Employers may also pay for training if their employee is no longer able to work in their industry due to the injury.

Workers’ compensation claims can be complex. A lawyer can help you navigate the nuances of your workers’ compensation claim. Consider Slaughter Law Firm. We can help by telling you what you need to know.