Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of insurance that protects workers and employers from some of the losses caused by on-the-job accidents and job-related illnesses. The system aims to help workers return to work as quickly as possible.
Workers’ compensation provides workers with:
- Payment for medical care resulting from a work-related injury or illness
- Payments for a worker who is permanently partially disabled once maximum medical improvement is reached
- Payments for a worker who has a permanent impairment or is permanently totally disabled
- Payments for temporary indemnity benefits if an injured worker is unable to work and earn a paycheck
- Survivor benefits for survivors of those killed on the job
- Dispute resolution through the WCA’s ombudsman, mediation and administrative court system
I’ve been hurt at work. What do I do?
In general, you must give your employer or supervisor written notice within 15 days after you know that your job injury is connected to your job. If your injury, or some other cause beyond your control, prevents you from giving notice within 15 days, the period may be extended to 60 days.
How can injured workers get the medical care they need?
Required care resulting from a work-related injury or illness is paid for generally at no expense to the worker. If you are injured in a work-related accident, your employer/insurer will pay all reasonable and necessary medical costs.
What happens if a workplace injury leads to lost time from the job?
Injured workers may receive temporary indemnity benefits if they are unable to work and earn a paycheck while recuperating. These benefits generally remain until the worker’s medical condition becomes stable or the worker returns to work.
Depending on the type of injury and its severity, workers may be entitled to benefits if they are permanently totally disabled or otherwise have a permanent impairment.
When can an injured worker return to work?
An injured worker can return to work when the treating doctor says it is okay to do so. Even if the injury is severe and the worker can’t return to work right away, it may be possible to return to work doing light duty, as long as the treating doctor approves the light-duty job description.
If you have any questions about workers compensation or other insurance questions, feel free to email me or call me at the number below. You can also read more insurance articles at www.thejemezagency.com
