Posted on: 29 May 2017

Being involved in an accident at work or suffering any kind of injury on the job should be covered by workers compensation. The program covers related medical bills and a percentage of your wages/salary, but will that be enough if your injuries require more than a few weeks of recovery? Before signing any paperwork, consider a few workers compensation features, your own needs, and other options for the compensation you deserve.

A Percentage May Not Be Enough

How much do you get paid? Is your current paycheck enough to live on, or are you barely making ends meet? If your paycheck prior to injury was barely enough or not enough at all, a percentage of that pay isn't good enough--and you shouldn't accept it as good enough.

Many people are afraid to ask for more. In some cases it's mistake pride, in others it's a form of conditioning by dealing with whatever life gives. Thankfully, workers compensation already has built-in functions designed to help you recover without significant financial suffering. 

Although a stipend for financial hardship is possible, it's more likely that you'll be given expedited services for different services. Food benefits, utility assistance, and transportation assistance from community outreach and local government services are a better use of funding, since the tax dollars are already spent and some benefits would otherwise go funded, but unused.

If you're worried about your pride or political opinion, rest assured that these assistance programs are enveloped by workers compensation. It doesn't actually matter as far as paperwork is concerned, but discretion is a byproduct of the system.

Other Compensation Opportunities

Is your injury really over once the doctor says you're fine? Were you on medical leave of absence for longer than expected, and suspect something deeper may be happening with your health? It's better to be sure about your future healthcare options than struggle for additional compensation years down the road, so get a lawyer to consider your situation more closely.

Your workers compensation recovery period is a time of rest, but since you're not working, you may as well handle some paperwork to protect yourself. Consult other doctors outside of your appointed workers compensation medical care team (if they were appointed and not your choice in the first place). Figure out how likely your condition may lead to bigger trouble in the future, and plan accordingly.

Planning accordingly could mean applying for disability through workers compensation and extending your medical leave. It could also mean getting into the Social Security Administration's disability program, or seeking damages in a personal injury claim.

Signing workers compensation paperwork can forfeit your right to advanced claims in some cases, or at least make it a lot harder to push for more assistance. Contact a workers compensation lawyer before signing anything to make sure you have as many options as your state allows, or to begin planning an appeal if you've already signed.

Speak to professionals like Freedman, Wagner, Tabakman & Weiss for more information.