Many of us head to work not expecting to find ourselves injured in a workplace accident. Every employee should ensure that the working environment they provide for their employees has their health and safety in mind. Sadly, despite even the strictest and the most conscientious health and safety measures, incidents can still occur. And this is when workers’ compensation might come into play.
As an employee, you may be familiar with the term workers’ compensation. It’s legislation that’s put in place that ensures in the event of an accident at work or even your death, you and your family will be covered financially through certain benefits. How long does it take to negotiate a workers’ compensation settlement? Click the link to find out more.
But what does workers’ compensation really cover? Here we’ll take a look at the benefits involved and what they cover.
Medical Expenses
Of course, the last thing an employee wants to concern themselves over is how they’re going to pay for their medical bills and ongoing treatments. Whether you need to pay for ambulance services, surgeries and even prescriptions and a lengthy hospital stay, it’s enough to financially cripple a family. Thankfully, a successful workers’ compensation claim will cover these kinds of expenses. Allowing the victim to focus on recovering.
Lost Wages
One of the biggest concerns of anyone who is injured isn’t their health, but how they’re going to support their family whilst they’re unable to work. Thankfully, workers comp is designed to replenish any lost income that the victim is missing, allowing them to pay their bills and not have the added concern of debt looming over them if/when they finally return to work.
Further Treatment
If the sustained injury or illness requires ongoing care, such as physiotherapy, laser therapies, nerve stimulations and even ongoing tests then this will need to be funded. Again, workers’ compensation will be able to cover these ongoing treatments and therapies.
Funerals
It’s a worrying thought, but there are some instances where an employee can die from their injuries or even instantaneously after an accident. Sadly, funeral costs are incredibly expensive, and many families just aren’t financially prepared for that kind of sudden expense. In the event of a death at work, a successful workers’ compensation application will have all the funeral expenses paid for. Family members will also receive other death benefits.
A Disability
If the accident suddenly renders the employee disabled or has a dramatic effect on the quality of their life, then workers’ compensation will help pay lost wages and take care of the medical bills involved. This applies whether or not the disability is considered permanent or not.
Speak with your employer to understand your rights and more about the process.