By 
When you are injured in the workplace, it can leave you facing pain, medical bills, the prospect of not being able to work, and numerous questions. Workers’ compensation is designed to act as an insurance system and provide injured employees with the financial assistance they need. Benefits associated with workers’ compensation include partial wage replacement, medical care, and even death benefits in the event an employee is killed while on the due.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation can be quite complex as it involves not only local laws but also federal and state laws. As a result, it is not uncommon for the process of collecting workers’ compensation benefits to become complicated due to conflicts and disputes. For this reason, it is imperative that you consult an attorney experienced in handling workers’ compensation cases if you or a family member have been harmed due to an occupational illness or an accident in the workplace.
Every day, numerous people experience injuries such as broken bones, scrapes, burns, and more serious injuries due to accidents in the workplace. Such injuries may arise from fires, vehicle accidents, explosions, scaffolding accidents, falling objects, and faulty machinery. There are also many people who develop occupational illness associated with their employment. This is often due to long-term exposure to harmful conditions. Among the more common examples of occupational diseases include cancer and asthma. Other individuals may experience injuries associated with repetitive stress, such as heavy lifting, and experience problems with tendonitis or back injuries. Each of these illnesses and injuries falls under the coverage of workers’ compensation, provided that the injury or illness occurred as a result of your employment. In some cases, you may have a workers’ compensation claim if you have a pre-existing condition that was worsened due to exposure in the workplace or a workplace accident. There are time limits involved; however, so it is important that you speak to an attorney and file a claim as quickly as possible following your injury or illness.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
It should be understood that there are two different forms of wage replacement under workers’ compensation. They are temporary disability and permanent disability. Injured individuals who are not able to work while recovering may be eligible to receive temporary total disability. If you are able to work, even if it is on a limited basis, you may only be eligible to receive temporary partial disability.
Permanent disability benefits are paid to individuals who have suffered a long-term illness or injury that prevents them from returning to work at all. In some cases, you may be eligible to receive a lump sum award.
Disputes Involving Workers’ Compensation
The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complex. It is not uncommon for many people to experience difficulty in obtaining the benefits that are rightfully due to them. Among the more common reasons for such difficulties include denial of claims, problems associated with the valuation of benefits, and disputes involving your medical assessment. When such disputes arise, it may be necessary for hearings to be conducted or for the injured employee to enter mediation with their employer. In some instances, the cases may need to be taken to court. When there are disputes, it is imperative that you have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney defending your rights.
Comments