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