How Workers’ Compensation Works
Workers’ compensation laws are in place to ensure that workers who are injured at work receive medical treatment and appropriate monetary compensation for their injuries. Workers’ comp is designed to bypass the costly process of litigation while providing guaranteed benefits for injured workers. Under workers’ comp, workers who are injured while at work are eligible to receive clearly defined benefits when injury or disability occurs as a result of a work accident.
Most of the fifty-five workers’ compensation programs in the United States are administered by each individual state. Each program varies in terms of compensation and benefits, including which injuries and illnesses are covered, but most all employers are required by the law to have workers’ comp insurance.
How Workers’ Compensation Works for You
Most workers’ compensation programs provide for medical expenses and lost earnings. When a worker is injured while at work, he or she receives immediate compensation for medical expenses, then medical benefits for lost work after seven days of disability.
Workers’ compensation doesn’t only cover injuries sustained at work, it also provides for illnesses or conditions resulting from long-term exposure to hazardous conditions. These conditions can range from sunburn or skin cancer from working long hours in the sun, such as construction workers do, to carpal tunnel syndrome caused by constant typing. In order to be covered under workers’ comp, medical evidence must prove that the illness or injury was caused by the worker’s job, conditions of employment or working environment. You might be entitled to workers’ comp benefits even if you suffered an injury outside of the workplace, providing that you were there on behalf of your employer, such as while running errands or transporting company goods.
Workers’ Compensation Suits
If you have suffered a workplace injury or illness, you should consult an attorney specializing in workers’ comp cases. The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt represent injured workers exclusively and will be happy to offer you a free consultation. Our skilled and experienced workers’ comp lawyers will help you navigate the sometimes confusing process of filing a claim and will be ready to fight for your rights should your claim be challenged either by the insurance company or your employer. What is more, at The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, you never have to pay a lawyer’s fee unless you win your case.
Hurt at Work? We Can Help!
Call an attorney at the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for a free and confidential consultation today.
(561) 600-4024
