What kinds of damages can I claim via workers’ compensation?

When you are hurt on the job or develop an illness that you can trace back to your work, in most cases this would qualify as a workers’ compensation injury that is eligible for compensation.

However, to access the compensation you deserve, both you and your employer must follow certain guidelines to ensure that your injury is compensable. After all, the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be quite complex since it involves multiple parties: the injured employee, the employer, the healthcare provider, the insurance company and the state workers’ compensation board.

Here are the types of damages you may claim in your workers’ compensation suit.

Medical expenses

You should be reimbursed for any medical costs you have incurred while treating your injuries or illness. These include hospital admissions, medical tests, doctor appointments, treatments and medications as well as rehabilitative therapy. If your injuries require recurrent treatment or the use of medical equipment, be sure to include this in your claim too.

Lost income

If you missed work due to your injury, you probably lost income. Depending on your workers’ compensation policy, you will be entitled to a percentage of your hourly wage or salary. Some policies also offer temporary or permanent disability assistance.

Vocational rehabilitation

When your injury puts you out of work for a very long time, resuming work can be a huge challenge. A vocational rehabilitation program is designed to help an employee who has been out of work for a very long time transition back into the workforce. If you need rehabilitation before resuming work, it is important that you include this in your claim as well.

Death benefits

Sometimes, a workplace injury can result in a fatality. In this case, your survivors may be entitled to death benefits. The compensation provided should cover any treatments the victim received before passing on as well as reasonable funeral and burial expenses. They may also, in some cases, qualify for some income based on what you would have received.

If you are injured while working, you may claim workers’ compensation benefits provided by your employer’s insurance company. To ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, it is important that you understand the types of damages available.