What Are My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

What Are My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

If you have been injured over the regular course of your job duties, or suffered an illness because of them, then you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

In New York State, there are several benefits that are possible from a claim that is accepted by the Workers’ Compensation Board and not challenged by an employer. The one benefit which most people ask about are cash benefits. Benefits from an approved claim are not paid for the first 7 days of a diagnosed disability for many workers. If the disability extends beyond 14 days, however, a worker may be able to receive cash benefits from their first day not working.

Workers are entitled to two-thirds of their average weekly wage, multiplied by their disability percentage. There are certain maximums that cannot be exceeded. Here are the other workers’ compensation benefits to which you may be entitled as well.

#1. Medical Benefits

All necessary medical care that is directly associated with a work-related injury is covered by an approved workers’ compensation claim. Those providing medical care must be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board, like our office.

Diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and ongoing therapies are all covered under the medical benefits section. Some workers may be required to visit in-network providers or pharmacies as part of their treatment plan. Your healthcare provider cannot collect a fee from a patient who is taking advantage of workers’ compensation benefits.

#2. Supplemental Benefits

Some workers may be eligible for supplemental benefits with a workers’ compensation claim. The total number of supplemental benefits may not exceed $215 per week under the current structure. Claimants for this option must have received an injury or received benefits from an injury that occurred before January 1, 1979.

#3. Mileage Benefits

Some workers may be entitled to reimbursement for their automotive mileage that occurs to and from the providers office for their necessary workers’ compensation appointments. A mileage chart must usually be submitted as part of your claim paperwork to claim this benefit.

If you ride the bus or the subway to reach your appointment, the costs of doing so may be covered as well.

At our clinic, we provide free validated parking to help save on your upfront costs when dealing with a workers’ compensation claim. If you’ve been injured, you’re already dealing with enough stress in your life. Trying to scrape up some change to pay for parking shouldn’t be something else added to your list of responsibilities.

#4. Social Security Benefits

In the United States, some workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to receive Social Security benefits because of their injury. To qualify for these benefits, workers must be continuously disabled for a period of at least 12 months or receive a permanent disability diagnosis.

Monthly benefits may be paid when there is a physical or mental impairment that is determinable medically from an authorized workers’ compensation doctor. To take advantage of these benefits, you’ll need to contact your nearest Social Security Administration field office.

#5. Death Benefits

Unfortunately, some injuries that happen at work are severe enough to be life-threatening. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that 5,190 workers were killed while working. Falls are one of the most dangerous, and most common, injuries that workers suffer. In the construction industry, almost 40% of fatal incidents happen because of falls.

If a worker dies from an injury that qualifies under workers’ compensation statutes, then a surviving spouse or minor children would be entitled to a weekly cash benefit. The amount is equal to two-thirds of the average weekly wage before the incident occurred.

The estate of a worker may be entitled to receive a lump-sum payment and have funeral expenses paid if no beneficiaries exist.

When You Should Seek Treatment for an Injury

If you have been injured at work, then there are time limitations in place for you to seek out treatment options. Notify the appropriate parties, seek out first aid, then schedule an appointment with an authorized healthcare provider right away.

If you require emergency care, then obtain it.

Workers who fail to file a claim in a timely manner could lose out on benefits like these. This often occurs when a worker is unsure if they have been injured or feel like they can work through a slight injury that turns out to be more serious than they thought it would be.

Accidents happen, but injuries can be treated. Let’s get your appointment scheduled today.