If you are in need of workers’ compensation benefits, you may have a variety of important questions. The first question that will likely need an answer is how to determine if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits which requires a determination of two factors, including if you are considered an employee and if your injury was work-related.
In addition to determining eligibility for benefits, there are other factors that may also need to be considered such as the impact of state laws on your workers’ compensation claim and the rules related to fault for the accident. In general, workers’ compensation benefits are no-fault benefits which means that, with some exceptions such as if the worker is intoxicated or using drugs, the worker will enjoy workers’ compensation coverage for injuries or illness suffered while on the job.
Injured workers may have additional concerns and questions that need to be answered related to workers’ compensation benefits such as what happens to their benefits if they want to try to return to work. In general, workers’ compensation benefits that may be available to injured workers include medical expenses, lost earnings and, in some circumstances, benefits for vocational rehabilitation or survivor’s benefits in circumstances of a fatal workplace accident.
Workers’ compensation benefits provide an important lifeline for workers injured in workplace accident or suffering from a workplace illness. It is important for injured workers to be familiar with the benefits available to them so they can have help at each stage of their recovery process including help with medical costs, lost earnings and other benefits they may need to heal and return to work whenever possible.