If you are injured or develop an illness at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Your employer’s insurer may be required to cover you if your case meets some requirements.
Here is what they may cover:
Lost wages
When you are injured or have an illness that makes it unable for you to return to work, your employer may pay you temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. If your doctor states you can perform light or modified work, you may not receive these benefits. However, if your employer pays you less than full pay for the light or modified work, you may receive temporary partial disability benefits.
You should receive TTD benefits until your doctor confirms you can return to work or when your treatment is concluded after your condition reaches “maximum medical improvement.”
Disability benefits
If an injury or an illness affects your ability to do certain jobs, which means you can return to work but may be unable to perform some tasks or the job you did before, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits. If you are no longer able to work at any job, you may receive permanent total disability benefits.
These benefits are generally paid weekly. You may receive permanent total disability benefits for your lifetime. With permanent partial disability, your employer’s insurance company may pay you weekly to a particular maximum amount set by the law or a lump-sum payment.
Workers’ compensation benefits can be complicated. If you sustain a work injury or an occupational disease, consider getting legal help to make informed decisions.