While worker’s comp is mandatory in the US, few people know what they can actually recover from this policy if they are injured at work.
In 2020, there were approximately 2.7 million non-fatal work-related injuries from the private sector, a slight decrease from 2019. The financial repercussions following a work-related injury may be too overbearing for most workers, but that’s where worker’s compensation insurance comes in.
Worker’s compensation insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects workers from the financial burden of work-related injuries. While worker’s comp is mandatory in the US, few people know what damages they can recover from this policy.
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation insurance will generally cover medical expenses you incur from your work-related injuries or illness. This means it will cater to the immediate medical costs like emergency room visits and your ambulance services. Workers’ comp also covers later medical costs for further treatment like medication, surgery costs, hospital stays, and follow-up care expenses.
Lost Wages
Workers’ comp also generally covers lost wages while recuperating from your injuries. Debilitating injuries may render some workers unable to work for days, weeks, and even months. In such cases, workers’ comp insurance will step in to compensate you for wages you lost while recovering from your injury.
Illnesses
Some work conditions can expose workers to various illnesses. For instance, working in a chemical plant may expose you to harmful chemicals that make you sick. Workers’ comp will generally cover both short-term and long-term costs for treating any health complications and future care for the same.
Repetitive Injuries
Workers’ compensation also covers injuries from repetitive motions like muscle strains and pulls. Although these injuries aren’t too severe, some can cause permanent damage to sensitive muscle tissue. Again, worker’s comp will generally cover the treatment of such injuries.
Disability
As mentioned earlier, some debilitating injuries can lead to permanent disability. These disabilities include traumatic injuries that immobilize workers or brain injuries that affect workers’ cognitive capability. In either case, worker’s comp will generally cover the victim’s disability by covering treatment, lost wages, and ongoing care.
Kansas City Workers Compensation Attorney
An experienced Missouri workers’ comp attorney can get you the damages you deserve following a work-related injury. Contact The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann today for a free case evaluation. We have been protecting the rights of injured Missouri workers for over 25 years.
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