Each year large numbers of workers find themselves in need of medical attention following a workplace injury. According to the latest figures, approximately 2.7 out of every 100 workers in the U.S. experienced a non-fatal work-related injury or illness in 2022. From overexertion and bodily reactions to slips, trips, and falls, and exposure to harmful environments, the possibility of being injured at work is significant.
n addition to the physical pain and suffering an individual may endure, there are often additional financial challenges in the form of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and loss of income due to the inability to return to work. This article has outlined various options workers can explore when injured at work, enabling them to navigate these financial challenges with greater ease and certainty.
Workers’ Compensation
Some employers offer workers’ compensation benefits to employees in the event of an accident or injury in the workplace. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that typically provides eligible employees with wage replacement payments, coverage for their medical bills, and rehabilitation or ongoing care costs. In return, the employee waives their right to file a lawsuit against their employer for negligence.Â
If this scheme is available at an employee’s workplace, it is essential that they promptly report their injury or illness to their employer, seek medical attention, and ensure their claim is submitted on time. By doing so an injured employee can secure the financial assistance they need given their circumstances.
Legal Action
In cases where workers’ compensation benefits do not apply, an injured worker may choose to explore the possibility of legal action against their employer. This option will typically require the employee to prove that their injuries resulted directly from their employer’s negligence.
This may require gathering evidence such as witness statements, video surveillance of the accident, and documentation regarding workplace policies to demonstrate that the employer failed in their duty to provide a safe working environment for the employee. If successful, an employee may be awarded compensation for such matters as follows:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home renovations needed as a result of injuries
- Pain and suffering
If you have suffered an injury on the job and would like to file a claim against your employer, it is advisable to consult an experienced legal professional such as this Houston work injury lawyer who can advise you of your rights and the merits of your claim.Â
Social Security Benefits
An injured employee may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These benefits are available to employees who have been diagnosed with a permanent or long-term disability or health condition that prevents them from working.
To be eligible for SSDI, individuals will need to provide medical evidence confirming the severity and duration of their disability. A decision will then be made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding an applicant’s eligibility for financial assistance.
These are just some of the financial options available to employees who are injured in the workplace. The course an employee takes will typically depend on the cause of the injury and the benefits offered by their employer.
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