Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to help injured workers and workers suffering from an occupational illness with the challenges they face as a result of a workplace injury or illness. Specifically, workers’ compensation benefits help with lost wages while the injured worker is unable to work and with medical expenses while they are recovering.
Injured workers may face medical bills piling up while they are unable to earn a paycheck because of their injuries. There are different types of harm that injured workers may suffer including temporary partial disability or temporary total disability. Temporary total disability benefits include two-thirds of the injured worker’s average weekly wage. Temporary total disability benefits apply in circumstances when the injured worker is completely unable to work.
On the other hand, temporary partial disability benefits may be available to injured workers who are able to return to work in limited capacity. Workers’ compensation benefits in those circumstances may allow them to receive benefits to account for their wage loss. It is important for injured workers to have the tools to calculate the wage loss they have suffered and to ensure they receive the full amount of benefit available to help with their lost wages and medical expenses.
Workers’ compensation benefits are much-needed protections for injured workers which is why it is essential for injured workers and their families to be familiar with the different types of benefits available. Because of the importance of workers’ compensation benefits, it is necessary for injured workers to know their workers’ compensation rights and how to fight for their benefits.