Sustaining a work injury or contracting an occupational illness may make you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This insurance can cover the costs you incur due to the injury or disease.
Here are four examples of the damages you can claim:
1. Payment of lost wages
After sustaining a work-related injury or developing an illness, you may need to stay at home or in the hospital for a particular period until you are fit to perform your duties.
In some cases, you may still be unable to work as you did before upon returning to work – you may only be able to work for a few hours or perform fewer tasks, which can ultimately affect your pay. Workers’ compensation can cover the lost wages you incur.
2. Medical care
You need medical attention to treat your work injury or occupational diseases. Consequently, you will incur medical expenses, such as treatment, medications, transportation to and from appointments and assistive devices. Your employer’s insurance company should cover these costs.
If your healthcare provider charges you more than what your employer’s insurer paid, you should not be charged the difference. Your employer or their insurer should handle this. However, you need to be cautious if you opt or need to receive medical treatment outside Pennsylvania. Talk to your physician before your first treatment to avoid the risk of them balance billing you.
3. Special loss benefits
If you permanently lose the use of a body part in a work accident, you can claim special loss benefits.
4. Death benefits
Loved ones of an employee who loses their life from an occupational disease or work-related injury may be eligible for death benefits.
If you or your loved one suffers a work-related injury or illness, it’s crucial to understand the benefits you can claim sooner to receive just compensation.