Demystifying Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Understanding the Four Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Many states require businesses with employees to have workers’ compensation insurance. Therefore, if you sustain injuries at work, the workers’ compensation program enables you to receive compensation from your employer. Learn about the four types of workers’ compensation benefits below.

1. Medical Benefits

Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses for diagnosing and treating a work-related injury. These benefits include doctor appointments, medication, and surgical treatments.

If your injury requires you to use a special vehicle or wheelchair, you qualify for medical benefits. Workers’ compensation may also cover services like pain therapy, counseling, and alternative medical treatments such as acupuncture.

Depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to choose your own healthcare provider. In some states, employers have the right to select the treating physician. Additionally, some states regulate the fees that healthcare providers can charge for treating injured employees.

2. Disability Benefits

If your work-related injury prevents you from returning to work, you may be eligible for disability benefits. There are four main types of disability benefits:

• Temporary Partial
• Permanent Partial
• Temporary Total
• Permanent Total

To determine your disability rating, you must be evaluated by a workers’ compensation doctor.

Temporary partial disability applies to employees with minor injuries who can still perform light tasks or work reduced hours. Compensation is provided for the reduced workload.

Permanent partial disability supports employees who have reached maximum medical improvement after serious injuries but are still able to work in a limited capacity.

Temporary total disability is for employees who are completely unable to work for a period of time. These benefits usually cover a significant portion of the employee’s average weekly wage.

Permanent total disability covers employees whose injuries prevent them from ever working again.

3. Rehabilitation Benefits

Rehabilitation benefits aim to help injured employees return to work. These benefits may include costs for adaptive equipment, education, vocational training, career counseling, occupational therapy, and job placement services.

Limits for rehabilitation benefits vary by state and insurer. In some states, the program must be approved by both the employer and the insurance company. Some states also require individuals receiving disability benefits to participate in vocational rehabilitation programs.

4. Death Benefits

Workers’ compensation can also provide benefits to the family of an employee who dies due to a work-related injury. Eligible family members may receive compensation through their state’s workers’ compensation system.

Death benefits are generally available to dependents of the deceased, including spouses, children, and other close relatives who relied on the employee for financial support.

Eligibility rules vary by state, but typically include:

• Children under 18 years old
• Adult children with physical or mental disabilities
• Children over 18 enrolled in educational programs
• Spouses, regardless of their own income

Get Legal Help to Claim Your Compensation

Claiming compensation under the workers’ compensation system can be frustrating—especially if your employer or insurance company is uncooperative. That’s why you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at The Dennis Law Firm, LLC. We can help you navigate the process and fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started.