4 Types of Workers Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation claims play a significant role in helping out injured employees at their workplaces. However, the worker must have adequate knowledge about the types of workers’ compensation claims to make a valid claim.
There are four broad types of workers’ compensation claims:
- Wage benefits
- Medical coverage
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits in case of death due to injuries.
Here’s a brief explanation of all four types.
Workers Compensation Claim Types
1. Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation is meant to help the injured workers back to their job. Some core aspects of vocational rehabilitation are career counseling, job training, and assistance to find a new job.
You can claim vocational rehabilitation benefits if, due to some reason, you are unable to return to your previous job.
2. Medical Coverage
Medical coverage includes all the necessary expenses incurred in treating workplace injuries. There is no specific restriction on the compensation amount, as it has all the copays and deductibles.
All long-term aspects and expenses must be considered while filing for medical coverage like:
- Medical equipment expenses
- Hospitalization
- Medications
- Nursing care
- Any other necessary treatments like physical therapy
- Travel expenses incurred to avail treatment
You could receive compensation if you were injured during working hours while performing your duties. But you are not allowed to claim any medical coverage worker compensation if you get injured out of your workspace.
For example, you cannot claim compensation if you get injured while driving from or to work.
However, medical worker compensation claims do cover injuries on account of:
- Natural disaster
- Terrorism
- An act of violence while at work.
3. Wage Benefits
You will not receive your salary for the period you are away from work due to injuries. Wage benefits compensate you a percentage of such lost wages.
Also known as disability benefits, the amount of receivable compensation depends on your injury’s severity and duration. Different states may also have other compensation laws.
4. Death Benefits
Worker compensation includes the benefits for a worker’s family who dies due to workplace injuries or accidents. It is payable to the children, spouse, or dependents of the dead worker.
It generally includes the loss to the family on account of the death of the worker and burial expenses.
Are These Claims Inclusive of Pain and Suffering?
No, all worker compensation benefits are not inclusive of the pain and suffering. You will have to file a lawsuit for these claims against a third party. The worker cannot sue the employer for that matter.
Your Burbank workers’ compensation lawyer can sue the equipment manufacturer, property owner, or any other contractors responsible for the injuries.
Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Burbank for Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Yes, it is recommended to hire a lawyer for claiming worker compensation claims. There are several reasons due to which such compensations are often denied.
Seeking professional help puts you in the right direction and increases the chances of receiving your compensation.
What Are the Primary Reasons for the Denial of Worker Compensation Claims?
The most common reason is that the employer denies that the injury/accident occurred at the workplace. So, your claim is likely to be underpaid or denied if there is no witness or supporting evidence.
Secondly, the employer may claim that the injuries are due to the worker’s poor health condition or negligence. The claim may also be denied if it’s not filed in time just after the accident.
The court shall also dismiss your claim if you file a lawsuit after your termination from the job.
It’s not enough knowledge about the four types of workers’ compensation claim to make a claim. The chances of receiving compensation are higher with professional help. Your workers’ compensation attorney in Burbank is the right person to turn to for expert advice and assistance.