Workplace accidents are common, and many employees get involved in situations that result in injuries that prevent them from returning to work. Sometimes, these injuries can also keep workers from taking care of things at home and participating in activities they used to enjoy.
Employees who get hurt on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help injured workers recover and can cover everything from rehabilitation training to coverage for medical expenses.
Medical benefits
Medical benefits cover the cost of necessary medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation can provide financial help for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication and rehabilitation services.
Disability benefits
Disability benefits aim to replace a portion of wages lost due to an injury incurred at work. These benefits fall into four categories, and they include Temporary Total Disability, Temporary Partial Disability, Permanent Total Disability and Permanent Partial Disability.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits
For employees who can no longer perform their previous job because of an injury or illness, vocational rehabilitation benefits may be available. These benefits help workers learn new skills or learn how to do a different job.
Death benefits
Some work-related injuries or illnesses can result in death and in the U.S., 5,190 fatal workplace injuries occurred in 2021, states the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In these cases, death benefits provide financial assistance to the dependents or beneficiaries of the deceased worker. These benefits typically include compensation for funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.
Following a workplace accident, injured workers should seek medical care promptly and notify their employer about what occurred. Failure to do so could compromise the provision of needed workers’ compensation benefits.