Many injured workers may find themselves struggling to get through the aftermath of a workplace injury. Workplace injuries can take their toll on workers physically, financially and emotionally which is why they should be familiar with what workers’ compensation benefits are available and how they may be able to help.
What do workers’ compensation benefits pay?
Workers’ compensation benefits can pay for several of the concerns injured workers and their families may have. Workers’ compensation benefits can include:
- Medical expenses: workers’ compensation benefits pay all of the injured workers medical expenses following a workplace accident. The medical bills are paid directly for the injured worker.
- Time away from work: the injured workers can receive a wage replacement rate for their lost wages. The rate they receive is based on how much the injured worker was earning prior to their injury; the date of their accident or injury; and their level of disability. The maximum the injured worker can receive is two-thirds of their salary. There is a one-week waiting period for workers’ compensation benefits, however, if the injured worker is unable to work for longer than three weeks, the waiting period week will be waved.
- Permanent injuries: monetary awards may be available in some circumstances for permanent injuries. The award depends on extent of the damage the injured worker suffered.
Benefits for disability may also be available but depend on the extent of the disability if the injured worker is partially or totally disabled. Disability means that the injured worker is not working or is earning less than they were before their accident and because of their injury. Partial disability refers to when the injured worker is unable to perform the same work as they did prior to the injury they suffered. Total disability refers to if the worker is unable to work at all.
In general, workers’ compensation benefits in New York pay for medical expenses, time away from work and permanent injuries in some circumstances. Injured workers should be familiar with what workers’ compensation benefits covers and how they can obtain those benefits.