If you suffer an injury on the job, you are likely eligible for worker’s compensation. In order to take full advantage of your benefits, it is important that you understand what your worker’s comp covers.
Read on to learn more about the common benefits provided by California workers’ compensation.
Medical expenses
Workers’ comp covers the medical expenses for diagnosing and treating a work-related injury. As long as the injury happened in the course of employment — in other words, the injury happened in connection with the job — then workers’ comp will cover medical costs resulting from the injury. Usually, your employer will want you to receive treatment by a pre-designated physician who is most likely loyal to the company. If you would like to explore your options to have your employer cover a visit to the physician of your choice, speak with a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney.
Illness and ongoing care
Beyond the initial treatment of an injury, worker’s compensation may be available for ongoing care. This includes treatment such as:
- Specialist visits
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery
As long as the care is necessary to treat an injury or illness related to work, workers’ compensation may cover it. Also, in the case that an employee passes away, workers’ comp can cover funeral expenses and in some cases even support payments for loved ones.
Disability
Most individuals are familiar with the fact that workers’ compensation provides disability payments while an employee is unable to work at his or her full capacity. However, many workers are not fully aware of the different types of disability benefits available to them. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness and its limiting capacity, you may be eligible for certain types of disability benefits.
Again, ask your workers’ comp attorney about obtaining all of the benefits to which you are entitled.
