Workers’ compensation disability benefits are vital benefits for injured workers and their families to understand. Though most workers may have heard of them, they may not be very familiar with them and may have a number of important questions about them.
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to help injured workers who are unable to work because of a workplace injury or illness they suffered. Coverage for workers compensation benefits is generally broad and is an important protection for workers who are suffering from an occupational injury or illness. Being injured on the job can leave workers feeling vulnerable and unable to provide for their families which is when workers’ compensation benefits can step in to help.
Workers’ compensation benefits can generally help with costs associated with medical care and treatment of the occupational injury or illness; replacement income while they are away from work recovering; vocational rehabilitation costs; compensation for permanent disability; and survivor’s benefits when a fatal workplace accident has claimed the life of a worker. The majority of workers are covered by workers’ compensation benefits so it is important for them to be familiar with what they are and how to obtain them. Workers’ compensation benefits generally preclude a claim for damages against an employer but if a negligent third party was responsible for the harm suffered by the worker, additional options may be possible.
It is important for workers to be able to rely on a safe workplace but when they have been harmed at work, it is equally important for them to be familiar with the protections available to them and how to enforce their rights. Both injured workers and their families should be aware of the resources available to them through workers’ compensation benefits.