What Can I Pay for with My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation benefits provide financial help to employees who’ve suffered job-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits ensure that workers who’ve been injured have time to focus on their personal recovery without the extra stress of financial hardship.
In case of a work injury, it’s important to understand what workers’ compensation covers so you can make informed decisions about their medical care, daily expenses, and long-term financial planning.
Medical Expenses
One of the primary things that workers’ compensation benefits are used for is to cover your medical costs related to a workplace injury or illness. These benefits typically pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and other required medical procedures.
Prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services are also included if they are essential for recovery. In some cases, workers’ compensation may cover ongoing medical treatments if an injury results in long-term health complications.
Although many states require injured workers to seek treatment from an approved list of healthcare providers to qualify for full coverage, Maryland gives you the right to choose your own physician, typically following an initial visit to a doctor assigned by your employer.
Lost Wages
If a work-related injury keeps you from being able to do your job, workers’ compensation provides financial assistance to replace your lost income. These payments, known as temporary disability benefits, are typically a percentage of your average wage.
The specific amount and duration of these benefits vary by state, but they generally help you maintain financial stability while you’re recovering. If you’ve sustained a permanent disability that impacts on your ability to work, you may be eligible for long-term or lifetime compensation.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Workers’ compensation may cover vocational rehab services if you can no longer do your previous job because of an injury. This is also referred to as occupational therapy.
These services include job retraining programs, educational courses, career counseling, and assistance with job placement. The goal is to help injured workers develop new skills or transition into a different profession that accommodates their physical limitations.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits can be crucial for those who need to shift careers while still earning a stable income.
Travel Expenses for Medical Treatment
Workers’ compensation benefits may also financially reimburse you for any travel expenses related to your medical care. This can include mileage, public transportation, or other travel costs incurred while attending doctor appointments, physical therapy sessions, or specialized treatment.
Some states set specific mileage reimbursement rates, so keeping detailed records of travel expenses can help ensure proper compensation.
Funeral and Death Benefits
If a work injury or illness results in your death, workers’ compensation provides financial support to your surviving family members. These benefits usually help cover any funeral and burial expenses, lessening the financial burden on your family.
Dependents such as spouses or children may also receive financial assistance to help replace the deceased worker’s lost income. The amount and duration of these benefits depend on state laws and the deceased worker’s earnings before the accident.
Limitations on Workers’ Compensation Benefits
While workers’ compensation benefits can cover many necessary expenses, they don’t provide unlimited financial support. You can’t use these benefits for non-work-related medical conditions, personal expenses, or to compensate for pain and suffering.
Unlike personal injury lawsuits, workers’ compensation benefits don’t include damages for emotional distress or punitive compensation. And, if you fail to follow your doctor’s medical advice, miss important deadlines, or refuse suitable job offers, you may risk losing your benefits.
Injured employees should report their injuries promptly, follow medical treatment plans, and keep thorough records of all related expenses to make the most of workers’ compensation benefits.
Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney here at Belsky & Horowitz, LLC, can help ensure you get the full benefits you’re entitled to. Legal guidance can be especially beneficial if your employer or insurance company tries to dispute your claim or deny coverage for certain expenses.
Understanding how these benefits can be used helps you get the medical care and financial assistance you need during a challenging time.
