If you’ve been injured on the job, then you probably have a lot of immediate needs. You may need medical care, rehabilitation and a way to make ends meet while you spend some time away from work to focus on your recovery. Those who have been hurt in a workplace accident may be able to recover compensation to help cover their losses if they successfully file a workers’ compensation claim.
So, what type of benefits could you qualify for through workers’ compensation? First, and most immediate, is medical treatment. Although an employer can designate where an injured worker has his or her initial appointment for treatment, the employee usually can choose the medical professional. The cost of medical treatment will then be covered through workers’ compensation.
Lost wages may also be recovered. The exact amount depends on the severity of the injury suffered and how long a person is out of work. For example, under temporary total disability, a worker who has become totally disabled by a workplace injury can receive up to three-fourths of their average weekly wage after all taxes are taken out. Those who suffer a permanent partial disability, on the other hand, may be awarded a specific amount of compensation based on the body part injured, the extent that the wounded area is deemed disabled and the employee’s salary.
There are many other benefits available through workers’ compensation. A worker may be entitled to benefits if they suffer a recurring injury, and they may be able to obtain job retraining if their injury leaves them unable to return to their original line of work. To learn more about how workers’ compensation may be able to help you, you may want to speak with a legal professional who can help advise and guide you through the process.
Source: Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission, “Information Packet,” accessed on Dec. 5, 2016
