What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ Compensation

Benefits from workers’ compensation help people who are hurt on the job. They can help to address some of the most significant financial hardships resulting from an injury such as medical expenses and lost wages. Most companies that employ a lot of people must carry workers’ compensation. State agencies administer benefits and also review applications and appeals for approval.

Medical Benefits

Workers’ compensation coverage for medical expenses does not reimburse people for what they have paid for medical care. Instead, it replaces their current health insurance coverage. The program directly covers the cost of things such as surgeries, specialist visits, and physical therapy. Much like private insurance, there are caps on how much hospitals and other medical facilities can charge people with this type of coverage.

Lost Wages

A serious injury can prevent workers from being unable to perform their job duties for an extended period of time. Workers’ compensation programs will compensate people for the wages that they are unable to earn while they are injured. It is important to note, however, that these programs typically do not give people one hundred percent of their lost wages. Instead, they pay a lesser percentage of wages. This percentage varies from state to state, but it may be around two-thirds. There may also be a limit on the maximum amount that people can collect in lost wages.

Submitting an Application

When people apply for benefits, they will have to complete a detailed account of their injury. They may need to explain how the injury occurred, how it affects their ability to complete certain tasks, and what course of treatment they are actively pursuing. Medical records and forms that medical providers complete on an applicants’ behalf can be helpful supporting documentation. Many claims that examiners deny are rejected on the grounds that applicants have failed to provide adequate information.

Appealing Rejections

The review process is rather stringent. This is not necessarily because examiners want to deny benefits to the people who really need them but rather because of trying to deter fraud. Unfortunately, legitimate claimants may need to go through a few hurdles in order to get an approval on appeal. A strong evidentiary strategy that adequately addresses the basis for a denial is vital to a successful appeal.

The process of getting benefits can be challenging. However, these important benefits can help people recover from an injury and return to work. If you have further questions regarding workers’ compensation and how it works, then discussing these matters with an experienced worker compensation lawyer, can be beneficial.