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Workers who have been injured on the job in California may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Importantly, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means that establishing fault is not necessary, the injury need only have to be work-related.
Depending on the nature of the injury, the employee may be unable to work for some time. In serious cases, they may require extensive rehabilitation. What kinds of expenses can workers’ compensation help with?
Medical expenses
The initial expenses of a work-related injury can mount up. Hospital visits, medication, surgeries and post-operative care all cost money. In serious cases, this can add up to tens of thousands of dollars or potentially more.
Initial medical expenses are something that workers’ compensation can assist with. In instances of chronic injuries, workers’ compensation can also help cover the costs of ongoing health care and rehabilitative therapy.
Lost wages
An injured worker is unlikely to be able to carry out their duties, at least for the foreseeable future. This results in lost income, and as many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, the stress of this can soon mount up.
Workers’ compensation can assist with lost wages. Benefits typically don’t cover the full amount of lost wages, but they can cover up to 80%. Benefits are generally temporary but they can provide cover for several years if necessary. This will largely depend on the nature of the injury and length of recovery.
Workers’ compensation is designed to relieve some of the financial strain of being injured or ill because of work. Benefits can also help cover your legal costs. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek further legal guidance to discuss your options in more detail.