When a person is injured on the job, workers’ compensation is called upon to make the situation right again. This arrangement does offer protection to employees, but it also protects employers. Without some strong representation, many employees find that the compensation the employer offers them is far less than they actually deserve. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover a number of areas, depending on the nature of your injury.
The most prevalent type of workers’ compensation benefit is medical expenses. If you suffer an injury on the job, it is fairly clear that your employer should pay of the costs of medical treatment for the injury, as well as the costs of working toward recovery. However, your employer may push you to only seek treatment through a certain few medical care providers. You may need help getting approval to use the doctor you prefer.
Other types of benefits that workers’ compensation may provide include lost wages for temporary and permanent disability. If, for instance, you break your leg on the job, you will probably miss a significant number of days at work. You deserve to receive as much of your lost wages as possible while you recover, but what if the injury leaves you with ongoing pain or diminished capacity to perform certain tasks? Don’t accept less compensation than you deserve for lost wages and future diminished earnings.
An experienced attorney can also help you seek help retraining for a different position if you cannot return to the same position and your employer does not offer you different work after the injury. With proper legal guidance, you can enjoy all the benefits you deserve.
Source: California Department of Industrial Relations, “Chapter 1. The Basics of Workers’ Compensation,” accessed Sep. 01, 2017
