What are the different types of workers’ compensation?

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, you are entitled to compensations. This is precisely the reason why the state of Georgia typically requires businesses with three or more employees to carry coverage. Even if you feel that the accident was partially your fault, the law requires your employer’s workers’ comp policy to cover you for medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes even attorneys fees. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, get medical attention immediately, notify your employer that you have a workers’ comp claim, and follow the procedures to receive full compensation.

The Four Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits

Depending on the severity of your injuries and the type of accident that you’ve had, you should be able to receive compensation for one or more of the following types of damages:

1.   Wage Replacement Benefits

This is exactly what it sounds like. If you’re unable to work because of an injury you sustained on the job, it stands to reason that your wages should be replaced. Wage replacement benefits are further subdivided into three categories.

• Temporary Total Disability – If you’re unable to work, but will be returning to work, this is the type of compensation that you should receive.
• Temporary Partial Disability Benefits – These refer to benefits that you’ll receive if you’re still able to partially perform your job. This could be the result of not being able to work your normal number of hours or due to the fact that you can’t work your job to full capacity.
• Permanent Total Disability – These are benefits that you’ll receive if you’re unable to work.

2.   Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

These benefits are paid out if you require occupational therapy training or additional training to do your job. It could also be used to compensate you for the cost of training to learn new job skills if you’re unable to resume your old position.

3.   Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

This is decided based upon the disability rating. These benefits are paid for the permanent loss of functionality. For instance, losing a finger on a job would qualify you for partial disability.

4.   Medical Expenses

Under no circumstances should you bear the medical expenses for an on-the-job injury. You are entitled to compensation for a hospital stay, medication, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, surgeries, etc.

What should I do if I’m injured in the workplace?

Your safety is paramount. The first thing you should do is to seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or go to the hospital.

If you haven’t notified your employer, contact them and advise them that you’ve had a workplace injury. They may have an internal reporting system or an injury report that they’ll want you to complete.

If you are seeking benefits from your company’s workers’ comp policy. They should have a list of workers’ comp doctors that you can attend. This does not mean that you can’t go to your own doctor.

Call an attorney. Like all insurance companies, workers’ comp companies work to limit their liability. Additionally, workers’ compensation law can be complicated. Visit moeslaw.com for more information on worker’s comp law.