Workers’ compensation’s main objective is precisely to compensate the worker for the injury, accident, or illness suffered at work. This system of laws recognizes that in some cases, it will not be possible to fully compensate for the pain suffered by those affected, for example, if the employee dies as a result of the accident. Still, the workers’ compensation system is designed to provide the maximum benefits that guarantee the employee’s recovery.
The benefits available when filing a workers’ compensation claim are as follows:
- Medical care: Workers’ compensation pays for hospital and other medical expenses necessary to identify and treat work-related injuries or illnesses. Generally, they cover doctor visits, medications, therapies, and surgeries.
- Rehabilitation benefits: Rehabilitation benefits pay for medical and therapeutic (physical therapy) care necessary for the employee to recover from his injury or illness. If your injury or illness prevents you from returning to your previous job, many states allow vocational rehabilitation or similar benefits.
- Disability benefits: Disability benefits are intended to compensate you for a portion of the salary that you lose while your injury or illness makes it impossible to work. These benefits can be temporary or permanent.
- Death benefits: If the employee dies due to a work-related injury or illness, most states provide death benefits to some of their family members (such as children and spouses) who were financially dependent on the deceased employees. These benefits are intended to compensate family members or beneficiaries for the loss of financial support. Each state has different benefit clauses available to family members.
To know what benefit you can aspire to due to a condition generated by a work injury or accident, it is ideal to have the advice of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Contact our legal team. We will gladly help you with your case.
