While workplace injuries happen, some come with lifelong challenges.
According to the National Safety Council, 4,260,000 workplace injuries required medical attention in 2021. If you sustained a permanent injury that keeps you from working, you have the right to different benefits.
1. Permanent disability payments
After determining you have a permanent disability, permanent disability payments will start within 14 days of your temporary payments stopping. These new payments will come weekly and typically equate to a two-thirds ratio compared with your wage before the injury. Many factors play into how much you will receive. How much you receive varies depending on different factors. The state has a disability rating that it uses to determine payment amounts and how long you will receive them. The higher the percentage, the higher the payment. If you have 100%, you will receive weekly payments for your lifetime. People rated at 70% to 90% may also qualify for a lifetime pension.
2. Lifetime medical care
Life-altering injuries mean ongoing medical care for the rest of your life. If you have a permanent disability, workers’ compensation insurance provides lifetime medical benefits. These benefits may include doctor visits, hospitalization costs, psychiatric care, medical equipment and home nursing care.
3. Death benefits for beneficiaries
If your injuries create a medical condition that directly results in your death, your family will also receive benefits. Workers’ compensation provides dependents with up to $320,000 and $10,000 for burial costs.
A permanent injury due to a workplace incident changes your life forever. As a victim, you have the right to get compensated.