What Are the 7 Types Of Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

 While many employees are familiar with the general concept of workers’ compensation, the vast majority are unaware that there are numerous types of workers’ compensation benefits. In some instances, injured workers (or their dependents) will be eligible for only one type of workers’ compensation benefits. In other instances, injured workers will be eligible for multiple types of benefits for injuries sustained on the job.

7 Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefit Medical Benefits

1. Medical benefits cover the cost of treating an injury or illness sustained on the job. You may be able to see a doctor of your choosing, or you may be required to see a doctor who has been pre-approved by your employer, depending on where you live (or its insurance company). In either case, the general rule is that injured workers are entitled to medical benefits until they either recover completely or reach “maximum medical improvement”.
2. Temporary Disability Benefits Temporary disability benefits cover a portion of your lost wages if you are unable to work due to an injury or illness sustained on the job. In many states, these benefits are calculated as a percentage of your weekly wage (usually between 60 and 70 percent), with a weekly cap. Although temporary disability benefits cover only a portion of your lost income, they are typically tax-free.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits Workers who are unable to return to work for an extended period are eligible for permanent disability benefits (although in many states, a permanent condition is not strictly required). Like temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits may be partial or total. Permanent disability benefits are often calculated based on a “schedule” that assigns different compensation rates to different types of injuries, rather than as a percentage of the employee’s weekly wage.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits In addition to medical care, workers’ compensation benefits may include vocational rehabilitation services for those who require more. These benefits may cover the cost of occupational therapy, training or retraining, or other services necessary to return to work, either in the same position or in a completely different one. Injured workers who require these benefits must specifically request them (if they are available in their state), and this is yet another difficult task with which a lawyer can assist.
5. Disfigurement Benefits| In some states, workers who sustain permanent disfigurement because of their injuries are eligible for additional compensation. Typically, these benefits are calculated as a lump sum, with the specific benefit amount determined by the severity of the disfigurement and/or the affected body part.
6. Mileage Reimbursement In some states, workers’ compensation benefits also include reimbursement for automobile mileage. These benefits cover the cost of travel to and from medically covered doctor’s appointments.
7. Death Benefits In the event of a fatal workplace accident, eligible family members (typically the worker’s spouse and/or children) may file for workers’ compensation death benefits. These benefits typically fall into two categories: 1. Wage replacement benefits (calculated similarly to disability benefits and limited to a certain number of years); and 2. Funeral and burial benefits (usually calculated as the actual costs incurred, subject to a statutory maximum amount).

Conclusion

Workers’ compensation can help you cover the cost of treatment, while benefits can provide you with the time off you need to recover. To learn more about your rights as an employee, call the Law Offices of DYS at (213) 855-4749.

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