When you head to work in the morning, you are probably not thinking about what you will do in the event that you suffer an injury in your workplace. Most people find themselves unprepared for this type of event, but if it does happen, you need to know what to do next. Fortunately, workers’ compensation insurance is available for many types of employees who need help because of a work-related injury or illness.
The purpose of workers’ compensation insurance is to provide employees with financial support and other types of help they may need during recovery and an eventual return to work. Even if you do not work in a risky job that requires physical labor, it is still in your best interests to know what to do in case you do need to file a workers’ comp claim at some point. It is helpful for all employees to have a basic understanding of how this process works.
Are you eligible?
There are certain types of Pennsylvania employees who may not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you are a seasonal worker, work in a private home, work on a farm or are a maritime employee, you might not be able to secure workers’ compensation benefits. However, most types of workers will have the ability to file a claim with this type of insurance carried by their employer.
What benefits will you receive?
The specific types of benefits you may be able to get depend on your physical needs, the losses you experienced as a result of your accident and other factors unique to your situation. You would be wise to take care that you don’t leave any money on the table by pursuing the full amount available to you. Some of the benefits injured workers can get may include:
- Recovery of lost wages
- Coverage of medical bills
- Assistance getting back to work
If you were hurt at work, suffered a worsening of a medical condition or became ill as a result of your job, you likely have help available to you. To learn more about the options you may have, it can be helpful to discuss your plans with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before you proceed. The claims process can be complex, but you don’t have to walk through it alone.