When you get hurt on the job, no matter what the circumstances, you’re covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is a no-fault system that’s in place to make sure that your medical bills are paid for when you’re hurt, and that you can make ends meet during your recovery.
Many people faced with the need to collect benefits wonder how much they can get, and how the numbers are determined. Learn how workers’ comp benefits work, how much you can collect, what is and is not covered, and when calling an attorney can help.
The Four Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits
When you are hurt on the job, whether it’s from falling on your way to the bathroom, developing tendonitis or carpel tunnel, or even driving to a client’s house, you can collect four different kinds of benefits from workers’ comp.
These benefits include weekly compensation, payment of your medical expenses, coverage for vocational rehabilitation and if needed, permanent impairment benefits. You cannot collect pain and suffering, emotional trauma or the like. Workers’ compensation is exclusive to protect your ability to earn income.
Weekly Compensation
Weekly compensation is calculated based on your level of disability, whether it’s permanent or temporary, and your average weekly wages at the time you were hurt. In Colorado, you receive two-thirds of your average wages when you were hurt, with a maximum of the state’s average weekly wage.
Medical Expenses
The basics of workers’ comp is that it will cover your medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, procedures, rehabilitation and medication. Often, medical expenses can be the core of worker’s comp disputes (do you need the treatment at the level you’re receiving it?)
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation covers the cost of job training if you need to change careers as a result of no longer being able to do your former job.
Temporary vs. Permanent Impairment
If you have a temporary disability, meaning you will get better, you will collect benefits for a limited amount of time. If your disability is permanent, once you achieve MMI (maximum medical improvement) your case will be re-evaluated for the compensation you’ll receive thereafter.
Partial disability means you can continue to work, and any earnings you receive will reduce your workers’ comp benefits. Total disability means you can’t work at all.
Help with Workers’ Comp Benefits
Often, disputes arise over workers’ compensation claims. If you’re denied coverage, you’re not alone and it’s not the end of the road. You can challenge a denial or a premature ending of benefits, but you need the right help. You’ll have to prove the severity of your injury and the effects it’s having on your life.
The best way to do this is with the help of a Colorado workers’ compensation attorney. At Heuser & Heuser, we can help you fight back when your claim is denied, and we can make sure that you get the benefits you deserve under the law. Don’t give up and don’t try to fight alone. Get in touch with us today via phone or email for a free case evaluation.
