Familiarity with the different types of workers’ compensation benefits injured workers can receive is essential for injured workers. Injured workers and their families should understand how benefits are obtained and how to make a claim; when a claim for benefits may be denied and what to do; and what types of benefits are available through workers’ compensation which acts as a form of insurance for injured workers.
The types of workers’ compensation benefits available to injured workers depends on the nature of the injuries the worker suffered in the workplace accident. Workers’ compensation benefits may also be available to help workers suffering from an occupational illness. Workers’ compensation benefits may provide help to both injured workers and their families during a challenging time following a workplace accident or fatal workplace accident.
Injured workers may receive workers’ compensation benefits to help with medical expenses; vocational rehabilitation; wage loss if the injury suffered by the worker causes them to earn less; temporary total disability if the injured worker is prevented from working on a temporary basis due to the injury they have suffered; permanent total disability benefits; scheduled loss for some types of permanent injuries; and death benefits for surviving family members of workers killed in a fatal workplace accident.
Injured workers and their families should understand the workers’ compensation benefits available for their situation and circumstances and how to navigate the process. In addition, injured workers should keep in mind that trained guidance can help both them and their families receive the workers’ compensation help they need.