Understanding the benefits available to injured workers
Understanding the benefits available to injured workers
When you suffer an injury at work, it can be devastating. One minute you are doing your job, and the next you may find yourself with serious injuries. What can you do at this point to pick up the pieces and move forward? How can you recover, pay your bills and eventually return to work? The answer to these questions and more is your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
The intent of workers’ compensation benefits is to provide support and care for individuals who are hurt at their place of work. Each case is different, and the specific benefits you could get depend on your injuries, along with what you need for recovery. After a work accident, you would be wise to take quick action to learn how you can secure the specific benefits you need.
Can you sue your employer?
There are many benefits to having workers’ compensation insurance, and one of them is the fact that they provide protection for both the employer and the employee. When an employer has this type of insurance coverage, it allows employees to have access to compensation that can help them address specific things after a work accident. This coverage includes medical care, recovery of a portion of lost wages and even help getting back to work.
It also protects the interests of the employer. When an employee files for workers’ compensation benefits, he or she relinquishes his or her right to sue the employer over the accident. This means that civil litigation is not necessary in order for an injured employee to get what he or she needs for recovery.
Are you covered?
If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, the next step is to determine whether you injury qualifies you for benefits. The following could indicate that you may have a valid workers’ comp claim:
You had a preexisting medical condition that got worse as a result of your job.
Your injuries are the direct result of an accident you had while at work or while fulfilling your work duties.
You are sick because of toxins or environmental exposure in your workplace.
You suffered mental and emotional strain because of your high-stress and high-pressure work environment.
You may have a valid workers’ compensation claim, but that does not mean that you will not have complications trying to get your rightful benefits. Many injured workers find it beneficial to work with an experienced Louisiana attorney as they apply for benefits and seek to maximize their claim.
