American workers who are injured on the job are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance in case any of their employees get hurt while working. But what expenses are covered by workers’ compensation benefits? We explain below.
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation benefits cover all medical treatments related to a worker’s injury. This can include:
- Surgeries
- Hospital Visits
- Doctor Visits
- Medications
- Medical Equipment
To be covered by worker’s comp, the medical treatment must be reasonable, necessary, and related to the work-related injury. Investigative treatment or therapy is usually not covered by workers’ compensation benefits.
Wage Replacement
When an injury keeps an employee from working for an extended period of time, they can qualify for wage replacement benefits. To obtain these benefits, an employee needs to fall into one of the following categories:
- Temporary Total Disability
- Temporary Partial Disability
- Permanent Total Disability
- Permanent Partial Disability
The benefit amount that an employee receives from these types of benefits is based on what they earned before their injury. Typically, they will receive 2/3 of their regular wages.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Worker’s comp benefits can be used to pay for therapeutic care, like physical therapy, that will aid in their recovery process. These benefits can also be used to cover the cost of special training that is needed for an employee to return to work or to qualify them for another job.
Death Benefits
Sometimes, a work-related injury can lead to an employee’s death. In this situation, the employee’s family or dependents can receive certain benefits like:
- Funeral & Burial Expenses
- Financial Support
However, some states have restrictions on who can qualify for death benefits. You should consult with an experienced attorney to find out your specific state laws for death benefits.
Have more questions about what is covered by workers’ compensation benefits? We can help. Contact our Glendale team of workers’ compensation attorneys today.