If you or someone you know has gotten hurt at work, you may know the ins and outs of worker’s compensation. However, if you are lucky enough to never suffer an injury at work, you may be unaware of some of the information surrounding work injuries and worker’s compensation. Listed below are some facts you may not know about work-related injuries, as well as a few facts on what to do if youre hurt at work.
How much of the medical costs worker’s compensation pays for
One thing you may not know is the amount of medical costs covered by worker’s compensation. In fact, if your injury is proved to have occurred at work, worker’s compensation pays 100% of the medical costs. Typically, you have to see the doctor that is recommended to you by your work; however, in doing so, you will not need to pay for medical costs.
When you will receive compensation for your missed work days
Typically, you will receive compensation for the days of work that you missed anywhere from three to seven days after the claim gets approved. This can vary, however, depending on how quickly the claim goes through and whether or not you hire an attorney.
Who is at risk for certain work-related injuries
Most obviously, people who work in the construction business or who work with certain dangerous equipment are more likely to suffer from serious work-related injuries. However, nursing assistants and orderlies get about three times the rate of musculoskeletal and back injuries than these high-risk construction workers. In other words, everyone needs to be careful while at work to ensure that they do not suffer from a work-related injury.
How common work-related injuries are
Unbeknownst to many, getting hurt at work is actually quite common. In 2013, around 917,100 occupational illnesses and injuries accounted for missed workdays. In the same year, men and women missed an average 8 days of work due to work-related injuries.
Those who get hurt at work may need to hire a worker’s compensation lawyer
Even after reading these facts, you still may not know what to do if youre hurt at work. If injured at work, especially if you are injured seriously, you may want to look into workers compensation attorneys. These attorneys can help ensure that all procedures are followed correctly throughout the whole process so that you get the compensation that you deserve. If you make a mistake during any part of the process, your company may fight to deny your claim, thus leaving you with the medical bills as well as the injury. So, if you want to ensure you get your rightful compensation, you may want to hire a worker’s compensation lawyer.
So … did you know these facts about worker’s compensation? Did you already know what to do if youre hurt at work? Can you add anything? Let us know in the comments!