What expenses will workers' compensation cover?

Workers' compensation, in the simplest sense, is an insurance scheme that protects workers who are injured while on the job. It removes the burden of filing a civil lawsuit against your employer in exchange for quicker payouts. It will cover your injuries regardless of fault. So, whether you were careless or your employer was, it does not matter, you're covered. This article will discuss which expenses workers' compensation will pay for while you are recovering.

Workers' compensation payouts are a balance between speed and reducing expenses. You get your payments faster than you would if you filed a lawsuit but in exchange you will get less money than you might in a lawsuit. Workers' compensation will not pay for your pain and suffering or emotional harm. It will only cover tangible losses like medical bills and lost wages.

Specifically, workers' compensation will cover the following expenses:

• Medical care, expenses and medications due to the injury or illness.
• Compensation for permanent injuries. This deals with the lost economic potential due to your significant injuries.
• Retraining expenses if you are unable to return to your old job.
• Lost wages, usually a percentage of your regular wage.
• Benefits to your family in the event of your death.

If you were injured while working, then you may want to contact a workers' compensation lawyer. Your injury could preclude you from working for weeks or months. It is imperative that you get your paperwork in on time and properly filed or it could jeopardize your payments. These payments will be critical while you recover from your injury. Your lawyer could assess your medical records and help make sure that all of your applicable costs are accounted for when filling out your claim.