Friday 9 March 2012

When Workplace Accidents Happen, Workers Compensation Becomes Your Livelihood

There are both benefits and hardships that come when an unexpected workplace accident happens. The benefits are simple. You get the medical attention you need and deserve at no out of pocket cost to you, which includes all necessary Doctor visits, tests, x-rays, MRI's, C-scans, operations, medications and any other medical treatment the Doctor deems necessary to treat your condition after your workplace accident.
When it comes to personal finances, it can be both a benefit and a hardship. If you are lucky enough to have been able to put a savings in place in case of unexpected circumstances such as being out of work for many reasons, including getting hurt at work, you may not be affected as much. But for those who count solely on the income from workers compensation, you may be surprised that you will not be getting the same income as you did when you were working. This, along with the actual injury can be a stressful hardship, but you can at least be assured you won't be completely without income and the care you need.
Each State has different laws that govern workers compensation, so you will need to search your individual States laws to see how it might affect you personally. The positive aspect of this benefit is that you are assured to get compensated for the time you lost working due to your injury. The negative is due to many fraudulent claims made over the years, and it is designed to encourage those who are collecting financial compensation to recover as quickly as they can and get back to work so they can begin to earn their full wages again. Rest assured that even when you return to work, the benefits do not stop. You are still eligible to receive any medical treatment deemed necessary by your primary care Doctor related to the injury. This is to make sure you get the care you need until the time comes when the Doctor declares that you are fully recovered, or that you are at a point where your injury is permanent and it will never be 100% correct. In these cases, Most States will compensate you for a permanent partial disability and settle your case with a monetary award based on the area and severity of the injury.
Workers compensation gives the injured employee the security of knowing they will not be without income while they recover, and that any medical care they may need will be taken care of, giving them peace of mind that they are not alone and that everything that is necessary will be taken care of to the best of the ability of the States resources.
Fine More information on workers compensation and work injury.
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Settlements And Workers' Compensation

If you have been injured as a result of an accident at work, while you were on the clock, you may be eligible to receive benefits through Workers' Compensation. This largely depends upon a number of factors, the most important being the nature of the accident and your injury, your status as an employee, and the laws set by the state in which you live. Because accidents and injuries do vary, there is no set answer to the question of how your personal settlement is determined. When you file your claim, your case will be reviewed by the board that governs Workers' Comp in your state, and the money owed to you will be determined by them.
How much you can expect to receive may depend on the following factors:
1) What is the severity of your injury received at work? A cut on the hand vastly differs from an injury that effects your mobility, and consequently your ability to walk. It is important to make sure you have all your medical paperwork in order when you make your claim.
2) How much time did your injury cost you? Were you able to go back to work that same day or the next, or were you required bed rest or a hospital stay to recuperate? If compensation for lost wages is a factor, that may determine your final settlement.
3) Are you even eligible to receive Workers' Compensation, and does the injury you suffered fall under the law's definition of one? It's important to know what your state Workers' Comp laws say about your injury. Full-time employees who are eligible to receive benefits may file a compensation claim if the injury is determined to be work related. If you are not certain, you should consult with the person in your company who handles benefits, usually your Human Resources manager.
The question of whether or not to agree to a settlement in your case is best answered by an attorney who concentrates in personal injury and Workers' Compensation law. Depending on where you live, agreeing to a settlement may require to waive certain rights, particularly the right to sue the company for damages. If you also feel the compensation offered to you isn't enough to make up for work time lost and other expenses accrued following your accident, you should discuss your options with a lawyer.
Bottom line: save all pertinent information regarding your case, and consult an expert about the best course of action.
Kathryn Lively writes about Fairfax personal injury lawyers and Maryland personal injury lawyers.
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