Getting hurt on the job is a stressful experience. Not only do you have to worry about recovering from your injury, but you also have to navigate the workers’ compensation process to ensure that you receive the proper treatment and benefits to aid you in your recovery. Fortunately, if you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, there are multiple types of compensation benefits that you might be able to receive. Being aware of your rights in the workers’ compensation process is the first step.
The Most Common Types of Claims
There are various ways that employees can get hurt on the job and require workers’ compensation benefits. If you were hurt at work or while on the clock, you have a case for making a workers’ compensation claim. Some of the most common types of claims include:
- Being struck by an object: This can be an object falling or an equipment malfunction.
- Bodily reactions: These injuries can occur from reaching, standing, bending, climbing or sitting. This can also include repetitive activities which cause injury.
- Falling to a lower level: These injuries are often more severe and involve falling from a significant height. Falling on the same level- This is often a slip or trip on the same floor.
- Falling on the same level: This is often a slip or trip on the same floor.
- Overexertion: This often refers to physical activities, like pushing, lifting, carrying or pulling objects.
This is not an exhaustive list of the types of claims you can make. Other common claims include vehicle accidents and workplace violence. If you have questions about a claim that you would like to take, consult with an experienced lawyer so you can work toward receiving adequate compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The path to recovery is different for every injury, and depending on your case, you’ll be eligible for a specific category of workers’ compensation benefits. The five types of compensation benefits are medical coverage, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits and death benefits.
Medical Coverage
Medical coverage includes the cost of all authorized treatments related to the injury or disability that you sustained at work. Medical coverage can consist of various services, including medications, medical equipment like crutches, hospitalizations, nursing care, and any other services related to your workplace injury. When seeking coverage, it’s essential to consider any long-term care, such as prolonged physical therapy. Psychiatric treatment is available in certain circumstances.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary disability benefits are provided to help you cover a percentage, two-thirds of your average weekly wage, of lost wages if you’re unable to work while recovering from your injury. The amount of money you’re awarded and for how long will depend on an important rating given by a doctor at your compensation rate.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Similarly, you’re entitled to wage compensation if you’re left permanently unable to work as a result of your injury. These benefits can often not cover all of the income lost, but a legal professional can help you receive the most money possible.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation exists to assist those who have been injured or disabled return to work. Services may include job training, career counseling, and help in finding new employment. Vocational rehabilitation is critical to include in your claim if you’re not able to return to your previous employer due to your injuries. Injured workers need to look into services provided by the “Next Step” program.
Death Benefits
Death benefits provide compensation to family members if a loved one has died from injuries suffered at work. Death benefits provide coverage for funeral and burial expenses while including a sum of money to compensate the family for their loss. Benefits can be paid to the employee’s spouse, children, or dependent.
Middle Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
When beginning the compensation process and exploring the types of workers’ compensation, be sure to consider all your options and needs. You should always consult with an experienced lawyer so that you never settle for fewer benefits than you deserve.
Flexer Law has been serving the legal needs of Middle Tennessee residents since 1981. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys will work diligently on your behalf to provide the best financial outcome for you.
We have three office locations throughout Middle Tennessee to accommodate your legal needs. Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll find the best solution to get your financial life back on track.
Flexer Law Office Locations for Workers Comp Lawyers
- Nashville, TN
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Columbia, TN