As a factory worker, you are no stranger to tough workplace environments. From industrial-sized equipment to heavy crates full of raw materials, the factory floor is as dangerous as it is productive. When they wheel out a pallet stacked with barrels of plastic pellets for use in your injection mold machine, you think nothing of it. Unfortunately, the warehouse worker pushing the pallet takes a corner too wide and smashes right into your leg, fracturing your ankle. Fortunately, your employer maintains workers’ compensation insurance.
Employers maintain workers’ compensation insurance to help workers who were injured on the job. Depending on the severity of the incident, the worker might face wage-loss as well as medical debt. A serious injury could result in medical treatment, surgery, a hospital stay and physical therapy. Additionally, the injury might prevent the worker from returning to his or her original position and earn a living.
In general, the workers’ compensation benefits will cover medical expenses relating to reasonable and necessary treatment. Factors of this treatment can include:
- Services rendered by physicians, chiropractors and other health care providers
- Necessary surgical and medical services that are considered reasonable
- Hospital treatment, services and supplies
- Prescription medication and supplies needed during your recovery (gauze, bandages, ointment, etc.)
- Orthopedic appliances and supplies
Even though many workers might struggle with numerous emotional troubles as they cope with serious injuries and long-lasting conditions, workers’ compensation benefits do not include compensation for pain and suffering. Additionally, workers’ compensation insurance is not in place to provide job security for after your injury. Numerous legal protections exist to ensure workers receive fair treatment and do not face retaliation after suffering a workplace injury.