When someone is injured due to a work accident, not only does one have to deal with hospital expenses that were not expected but he or she also has to contend with taking time off from work and potentially losing out on much-needed income. Colorado residents may not be aware that there are various types of insurance systems they can tap into, but it is essential to understand the differences between to ensure the right program is applied to and unnecessary delays not caused.
Workers’ compensation is one of the insurance programs that can be availed. It is considered an alternative to litigation and most employers are required by state law to carry it to cover injured employees. The employee is generally injured during the course of their employment or at their workspace in order to receive workers’ compensation disability-instances in which the employer would be liable for the workplace injury.
State disability benefits on the other hand, do not come from the employer but cover up lost income nonetheless. It kicks in when the injury takes place away from work, but results in a situation where the injured person cannot return to work or normal job. State benefits are for a maximum of 52 weeks, which is why if one’s condition is expected to become permanent or last for more than one year, one should consider filing for Social Security Disability benefits.
It might be possible to receive workers’ compensation benefits and SSD benefits simultaneously if qualifications for both are met, but one might partially reduce the other. It might be beneficial to consult an experienced attorney for guidance on how to proceed in one’s particular situation.