Every career is impacted by certain workplace hazards. Workers in offices can shock themselves when handling computer equipment or may fall and break a bone. Medical professionals face daily exposure to pathogens and people experiencing high-stress scenarios that can provoke erratic behavior. Many jobs require that people travel in motor vehicles or perform repetitive job functions that damage their bodies over time.
When a worker sustains an injury on the job or a medical professional diagnoses them with a work-acquired medical condition, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. What benefits can injured and sickened employees receive?
Medical benefits
Workers’ compensation can provide full medical coverage benefits for all necessary treatment. Whether an employee requires stitches, surgery, medication or physical therapy, workers’ compensation can pay for all of their necessary treatment costs.
Disability benefits
Employees may also be eligible for disability benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. Workers’ compensation provides both partial and total disability benefits depending on whether an employee cannot work or must move to light-duty functions that provide lower pay.
There are both temporary disability benefits available while recovering and permanent benefits available when employees sustain injuries that cause permanent functional limitations. There are also job training/vocational benefits for those who must change professions and survivor benefits that protect those who lose a loved one due to a deadly workplace incident.
Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help professionals determine what benefits they may be eligible for and can help them navigate the claims process. Proper support can help professionals get the financial assistance and care they need to overcome job related medical challenges.