Look For Multiple Compensation Sources During Workers Comp
Posted on: 7 February 2018
Were you injured on the job? You're likely entitled to workers compensation in all workplace injury situations unless you were at fault, and even then, you should let an attorney do the talking, just in case. Workers compensation can be tricky if you're not getting every medical bill covered and the right compensation, but you might need to look to other forms of compensation depending on the situation. Here's an overview of what workers compensation can provide, along with other forms of compensation.
What Does Workers Compensation Do?
The main idea behind workers compensation is to smooth out recovery for the injured worker while reducing the legal and financial costs of supporting an injury. It's intended to be a substitute for lengthy legal battles where fault isn't obvious.
Workers compensation is supposed to cover all medical bills related to the injury, as well as a percentage of the worker's normal salary. The percentage is different depending on the state, and can be raised due to financial hardship. Exceptions such as financial hardship and unrelated, but potentially lethal, medical procedures can be made, but it's better to have a lawyer handle the proper paperwork and office contacting to reduce claim time and frustration.
If your medical bills aren't being paid, talk to your employer and speak with state workers compensation officials. Only the workers compensation office can give an official statement on your claim, but it's helpful to keep your employer in the loop. If your business was not paying workers compensation insurance, stop all other contact and get an attorney to represent all other discussions.
If you're the employer and need assistance with workers compensation claims that aren't being handled—despite paying into insurance—a workers compensation law firm can represent you while assisting your injured employee(s).
Other Forms Of Workplace Injury Compensation
Although workers compensation is designed to replace costly legal battles, there are exceptions and chances for you to take another party to court. Although you need to consult an attorney about your specific situation, some common legal challenges beyond workers compensation include the following situations:
- Gross negligence by a coworker.
- No business-sponsored safety procedures in place.
- Failure of safety equipment, with the equipment vendor/manufacturer at fault.
- Failure of workplace equipment, with the equipment vendor/manufacturer at fault.
- Outside interference by a non-employee.
- Espionage by another business.
Many of these situations involve taking a legal challenge to someone other than the employer or the injured employee. Especially when dealing with equipment vendors or manufacturers, there may be greater chances for higher compensation if workers compensation makes your career progression more difficult.
Contact a workers compensation attorney to discuss other opportunities to get the support and compensation you need.
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