4 Different Types of Worker’s Compensation Benefits

There are different types of benefits covered by a worker’s compensation insurance.

The type of benefits received by the employee will depend on several factors like the severity of his injury, the period of time he is unable to work and whether his future work will be affected by his injury.

 Given below are the different types of worker’s compensation benefits.

1. Medical Benefits

When an employee suffers from a work-related injury, he is entitled to receive medical benefits.

These benefits usually last till the injured employee is completely healed. The worker’s compensation carrier, which is usually the employer, is responsible for the medical bills.

Some of the basic medical costs covered by the worker’s compensation insurance includes,

• Medicines
• Physical therapy sessions
• Medical tests
• Surgical procedures
• Hospital stays
• Travelling expenses to and from the hospital
• Medical equipment

Depending upon the state laws, extra medical benefits can also be provided in some cases. In order to be eligible for these benefits, you might be required to see a certain medical provider.

About 21 states require the employee to consult a doctor from the list of doctors provided by the employer. Some states allow the employee to choose his own doctor along with consulting an insurer-chosen doctor.

2. Disability Benefits

Disability benefits are provided when a work injury affects an employee’s ability to work. These benefits will provide a portion of the employer’s income during the time period he is unable to work.

Depending upon the degree of injury, there are different types of disability benefits.

Temporary total disability benefits – These benefits are provided when the employee is temporarily unable to perform regular work duties while recovering. Some states require the employee to be unable to work for a certain period of time in order to qualify for these benefits. Limits are also placed on the amount of money an employee receives. These benefits usually equal two thirds of the average weekly income of the employee.

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits – These benefits are provided when an employee cannot perform all his work duties and has to work under a modified work program. This is done to prevent further damage to his injuries. The employee works at a lower capacity and earns a lower wage. These benefits are usually paid at two thirds of the difference between the average weekly income of the employee and the lowered average weekly income.

Permanent total disability benefits – These benefits are provided when an employee suffers from an injury which permanently prevents him from working at full capacity. The employee has to undergo an IME (Independent Medical Examination) before qualifying for these benefits. The way these benefits are provided vary from state to state. In some cases, they are provided for life or till retirement age.

Permanent partial disability benefits – These benefits are provided according to the percentage of disability of the concerned body part. States also have limits for the number of weeks the employee can receive compensation for the body part. The type of benefits received will depend upon the state laws. An injury attorney can help you determine what kind of benefits you can receive. If you are from the Scranton area and suffer from a work-related injury, we advise you to consult a good Scranton work injury attorney.

3. Rehabilitation Benefits

These benefits are provided for injured workers who require vocational rehabilitation for returning to their formal job. They help you maintain employment or get a similar job in a different workplace.

Medical care, occupational training and therapeutic care are usually covered by these benefits. In some states, rehabilitation benefits also pay for retraining and other programs necessary for the employer to qualify for a different job.

4. Death Benefits

These benefits are provided to the employer’s family if the employee dies from a work-related injury or illness. If the family is dependent on the employee’s wages for survival, financial support is provided through these benefits. Funeral and burial costs are also covered by these benefits.

Conclusion

If you aren’t properly educated about the different kinds of benefits which are covered by your worker’s compensation insurance, you can miss out on receiving them. An experienced work injury attorney will help you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.