Understanding Compensation Claims for Workplace Injuries

Suffering an injury at work can be a tough experience, especially because it affects one’s ability to work and earn. However, they can get financial support for their lost wages and medical expenses through compensation claims.

Navigating the claims process can be tricky, so they must understand their rights and responsibilities to maximize compensation. This involves knowing what the compensation covers, how it works, and how to file. Keep reading to learn all about it.

What Do Compensation Claims for Workplace Injuries Cover?

To file compensation claims for a workplace injury, someone must have suffered a work-related injury. This compensation covers their medical treatment, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses. Here is the coverage.

Medical Costs

If a workplace injury compensation claim is successful, the claimant receives reimbursement for medical treatment, hospital care, counseling, prescription medications, and supplies. However, most settlements only cover expenses related to injuries caused by the claimant’s direct employment.

For example, a construction worker may receive compensation for a fall on the job site. However, they may not be compensated for their injury while driving to the job site. While direct medical costs are covered, alternative treatment costs must be preapproved.

Lost Wages

Workplace injury compensation covers a percentage of lost wages. Claimants typically receive about two-thirds of their gross pay if they file a successful claim. If the person suffers a temporary total disability and cannot return to work, they’ll receive compensation while awaiting recovery.

The worker will immediately return to work after the rehabilitation period. However, if someone suffers permanent disability, they receive compensation for longer periods, whether they’re fully or partially disabled.

Extra Benefits

Claimants may receive extra benefits to cover expenses incurred due to the injury. For instance, if they need domestic help or a driver, these costs are often covered. However, they must be approved beforehand.

A more serious condition, such as asbestos exposure, may warrant a mesothelioma lawsuit instead of a workplace compensation claim. In those cases, the benefits are awarded differently.

Filing Compensation Claims for Workplace Injuries

Employees must submit a formal claim if they have been injured at work and believe they’re eligible for compensation. When filing this compensation claim, they’ll need to take the necessary steps and gather all the needed documentation. Here is how to go about it.

Report the Injury to an Employer

The first step after a workplace injury is to report it to an employer. If the employee does not notify their employer within 30 days, the claim may be rejected. Since employers maintain registers for such events, there will be valid records.

Go for Treatment

Employees must get medical treatment immediately, even if they’ve suffered minor injuries. Determining the extent of the injury can be tricky until a medical professional assesses it. The employee should get a certificate of capacity from the medical practitioner indicating that the injury has affected their ability to work.

Fill out and Submit a Workers Compensation Claim Form

When reporting the injury, the claimant should obtain a workers’ compensation claim form from their employer. They should complete the form and attach the certificate of capacity before submitting it to the employer. The employee may need a workers’ compensation lawyer if the claim does not pull through.

Endnote

Compensation claims for workplace injuries typically cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other extra costs. Filing this claim involves reporting the injury to your employer, seeing a medical practitioner, and filling out a claim form.