Workers that have been injured on the job experience a sense of uncertainty about their future. Aside from concerns about medical care and recovery, wondering if there will be an income source can be very stressful. Injured workers and their families that are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits can receive payment for medical bills, temporary and permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, death benefits, and wage replacement. The length of time that the benefits last depends on certain circumstances.
Injury Classifications
Weekly compensation is available for injured workers, and the length of time covered is based on the type of disability and what state the worker lives in. The types of benefits include:
- Temporary total disability/temporary partial disability
- Permanent total disability/permanent partial disability
Injured workers that are disabled for at least seven days can become eligible for benefits. The difference between temporary and permanent disability is that the employees with temporary disabilities have conditions that are likely to improve. If the condition is permanent, the employee may have to return to work in a different capacity or may not be able to return at all.
Timing
State regulations differ, and the length of time for temporary disability payments generally ranges from about three to seven years. Permanent disability benefits are not limited in this way, though some states end them when the disabled worker turns 65. Certain states do not cover permanent partial disability coverage.
Workers with permanent total disabilities may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits for life. Those with permanent partial disabilities can receive benefits up to 600 weeks, and temporary total disabilities may qualify for a maximum of 400 weeks. It is important to keep in mind that every case is different.
Medical Costs and Vocational Rehabilitation
Injured workers have the right to receive benefits to pay for their needed medical treatment. In some cases, employers and insurance companies may question the necessity of ongoing treatment and may refuse to pay. Employees may need to file claims with their state workers’ compensation agencies to receive payment. If the employee can return to work but not in their previous capacity, job retraining may be required. The workers’ compensation agency may have to pay for needed vocational rehabilitation.
Pain and Suffering
Many injured workers do not realize that workers’ compensation benefits are not available for pain and suffering. These laws provide income protection for employees that are not able to work. Workers that are experiencing pain and suffering due to their workplace injuries may have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP Help Injured Workers
If you or someone you care for suffered injuries from a workplace accident, the Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP can help. Call us at 856-761-3773 or complete an online form for a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we provide trusted counsel to clients throughout South Jersey, including the City of Camden.
