Workmen’s compensation benefits provide workers with a form of insurance that can be used to support them financially through wage replacement and medically through medical benefits. While the specific amount of time that benefits are provided for, and the specific type of benefit provided are controlled by law and individual circumstances, there are four distinct types of workmen’s compensation benefits.
Wage Replacement Benefits
This category of benefits is made up three types of wage replacement plans; each is dependent on the time of injury and the effect of the injury on the worker’s ability to earn.
Temporary total disability benefits are available to injured workers who temporarily cannot work due to their work injury or those who cannot find work due to the restrictions placed on them. This benefit is paid out at two thirds of their wage at the time of injury.
Temporary partial disability benefits are available to workers who have returned to work since their injury but are earning less than they were earning at the time of their work injury due to the disabling effects of the injury. This benefit is also paid out at two thirds of their wage at the time of their injury. These partial disability benefits end when the worker’s wage rises to 90 per-cent or more of their pre-injury wage.
Permanent total disability benefits are paid out to workers whose disability results in their being unable to return work that would earn them a steady wage. This rate is also paid out at two thirds of the pre-injury wage.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
These benefits are available for workers who have suffered a permanent disability such as a loss of a body part or its functioning due to a work related injury. The amount of this benefit is decided by the permanent partial disability rating.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Vocational rehabilitation benefits are available for injured workers who require assistance in returning to their former job or a similar job in a different workplace. These benefits allow the provision of a number of programs such as retraining and on-the-job training. A Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant may be available to assist the worker in managing their disability or injury in the workplace.
Medical Benefits
The employer and insurer are responsible for the payment of reasonable and necessary medical care and prescriptions for any workplace injuries. Depending on the injury this medical care can include surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy and chronic pain management.
Summary
Each type of benefit is available to assure workers that in the event of a workplace injury, their resultant ability to earn will be justly compensated by the employer and insurer. If you have any specific questions about workers compensation rights, whether they involve medical benefits or which wage replacement benefit is suitable for your specific situation, please contact your local department of Labor and Industry, or an attorney. If you feel you have been denied your workman’s benefits, contact us for a consultation. We will be able to answer your questions and help you get the benefits that are owed to you.
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