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Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation in the United States is the right of an employee who has suffered an injury or illness as a result of work performed for an employer. Compensation may include payment for medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, permanent disability pension, and vocational rehabilitation.

To obtain workers’ compensation in the United States, it is necessary to follow a series of steps, which can vary depending on the state where the accident occurred, the type of insurance the employer has, and the severity of the injury. Some of these steps include:

  • Report the accident to the employer as soon as possible and obtain a claim form.
  • Seek immediate medical attention and keep receipts for medical expenses.
  • Complete and submit the claim form to the employer’s insurance company or the state’s workers’ compensation board.
  • Contact an attorney specializing in workplace accidents for legal advice and to assess options for obtaining compensation.

Some frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation in the United States are:

What happens if the employer doesn't have insurance or refuses to pay compensation?

In that case, you can turn to a special state fund that covers uninsured workers or pursue a civil lawsuit against the employer for damages.

What happens if the injury or illness is partially or entirely caused by the worker?

In that case, the rule of comparative negligence may apply, which reduces compensation based on the percentage of fault. For example, if the worker is 20% at fault, they may receive 80% of the compensation.

Some states apply the rule of contributory negligence, which prevents receiving any compensation if the worker has any degree of fault.

What happens if the injury or illness is caused by a third party unrelated to the employer?

In that case, compensation can be claimed from both the employer and the third party responsible, either through an out-of-court settlement or a civil lawsuit.

How much time do I have to claim workers' compensation?

The time you have to claim compensation depends on the state where the accident occurred and the type of claim being filed. Generally, the timeframe is one or two years from the date of the accident. There are exceptions that can shorten or extend the deadline. It is recommended to act as soon as possible to avoid losing the right to claim.

The calculation of workers’ compensation in the United States depends on various factors, such as:

  • The injured body part.
  • The region where the incident occurred.
  • The size of the employer’s payroll.
  • The injured employee’s job classification.
  • The experience required by the company.

As a general rule, workers’ compensation will pay around 66% of your average weekly wage. However, each state has its own maximum and minimum limits for workers’ compensation payments.

These limits may change annually based on the Consumer Price Index or the state’s average wage.

There are four types of benefits you can receive for a workplace accident in the United States:

Weekly compensation: This is the payment the worker receives while unable to work due to their injury or illness. Generally, it is calculated as a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage before the accident, typically ranging between 60% and 66%. The amount and duration of this benefit vary by state and the degree of disability (temporary or permanent, total or partial).

Medical bill payment: This is the reimbursement the worker receives for medical expenses related to their injury or illness. This may include doctor visits, medications, surgeries, therapies, prosthetics, etc. The worker must follow the instructions of the doctor authorized by the insurance company or employer to receive this benefit.

Permanent disability benefits: This is compensation the worker receives if their injury or illness causes a permanent loss of some function or part of the body. The amount of this benefit depends on the degree of disability and the value assigned to each body part according to the state’s schedule. For example, if a worker loses an arm in an accident, they may receive a fixed sum based on the value of the arm according to the state’s schedule.

Vocational rehabilitation: This is the assistance the worker receives if they need training for a different type of work due to their injury or illness. This may include courses, counseling, career guidance, etc. This benefit is available in some states and has a time and cost limit.

You could have a MILLION-DOLLAR case. Fill out the form, and we will contact you immediately.

Do you want to know what your compensation is?

You could have a MILLIONAIRE case. Fill out the form and we will contact you immediately.

Form General en (#85)

Do you want to know what your compensation is?

You could have a MILLIONAIRE case. Fill out the form and we will contact you immediately.

Form General en (#85)