What You Don’t (But Should) Know About Workers’ Comp
03 Feb, 2016 | Tags: workers comp
Most people spend more time at their place of employment than they do in their own homes, and many feel safe and secure at work. When an on the job accident happens, it can be a shocking experience that leaves the victim feeling uncertain and unnerved.
Most employees know that if they are injured on the job, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation coverage. Outside of that fact, most employees know very little about what workers’ compensation is, how much money they will receive if they are injured, and what the process is for recouping damages after an injury. The following are a few aspects of workers’ compensation insurance every employee should understand.
Understand the Pay Rate for Your Wage Loss Benefits
When a person receives workers’ compensation, they may believe they are receiving the percentage of their wage that is owed to them by law. In most places, workers’ compensation is required to pay an employee 80 percent of their after-tax weekly wage, but many insurance companies get around paying an injured employee as much as they should by failing to include things like tips, bonus payments, overtime, and premium pay when calculating how much to pay out. If a worker feels they are being underpaid, contact a personal injury attorney who has experience dealing with workers’ compensation cases to make sure you get the compensation due. Click here now for more information on your rights.
Be Selective When Choosing Your Doctor
Workers’ compensation entitles victims to unlimited medical care while treating their work-related injury. Medical care can include visits to the hospital, prescription medicines, and chiropractic treatments. A patient may need to see the dentist, get an artificial limb, or even a wheelchair. Insurance companies or your employer may recommend you visit a particular doctor. However, using the doctor recommended by the insurance company or by your employer may create a conflict of interest, especially if your workers comp benefits are denied in the future. It is best to find your own doctor, one who will present the facts impartially, and who may be on your side if you need to fight for continued benefits.
Insurance Companies Will Not Tell You about All Available Benefits
Understandably, insurance companies want to make and save as much money as possible. They do not always tell workplace injury victims about the benefits available to them under law. These would include things like covering attendant care for a nurse, or training family members who can be paid up to fifty-six hours a week to provide care. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney who has experience dealing with workers comp cases while negotiating with insurance companies.
For the most part, workplaces are usually safe. However, it is important for employees to understand their workers’ comp benefits to be sure they get the help they are entitled to, if they ever are injured.
