Not only is workers’ compensation a convenient benefit for qualifying individuals who are injured at work, some of the benefits kick in immediately. Each case is different, so it’s essential you pay attention to what your employer is required to pay immediately and what they can hold off on until the claim is formally accepted. This is so you can find a way to cover costs in the meantime.
Medical Bills
The good news about medical bills and workers’ compensation payments is your employer is required to pay medical expenses beginning at the time you receive your injury. If you end up in the emergency room, those costs will be covered. If you see a different specialist every day of that first week, those costs will also be covered.
The entity you receive payment from will vary based on the state in which you live, as well as who you are employed by. Some states require employers to use a state-run program. Others allow employers to purchase private workers’ compensation, and others may even allow the employer to self-insure as long as certain requirements are met.
When you receive medical attention, be sure you let the provider know you are in the midst of a workers’ compensation claim. Instead of the medical professional sending the bill to you, he or she can send it to your employer, the insurance company or the state.
Non-Medical Benefits
There are certain other benefits that an injured worker may be compensated for, but those don’t typically kick in until after the claim has been completed or accepted. For example, disability benefits are not payable until the employee has been out of work and disabled for at least seven days. Lost wages are not available until eight days have passed from the initial injury. After 14 days of being off work, retroactive payments start to kick in, which includes disability, medical bills and anything else the employee qualifies for.
When Benefits End
When your employer is able to establish you aren’t in need of benefits any longer, the company will cease to provide the benefits. This may be discovered with a doctor’s note stating you are healed and don’t require ongoing care, or it may be a determination that you are well enough to head back to work. There are some situations in which you receive permanent partial benefits, and others when benefits will cease all together.
Receiving Legal Assistance
If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Contact a workers comp attorney in Asbury Park today to learn more and to receive the legal assistance you need.
Thanks to Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. for their insight into workers compensation and your benefits.