For employees who get injured at work, workers’ compensation benefits are a much-needed lifeline while they’re too hurt or sick to do their jobs. Eligible workers receive a percentage of their weekly or monthly income to help support them while they recover from their illnesses or injuries.
While workers’ compensation is a vital part of the American workforce, many people have misconceptions about it and what it’s used for. At Stewart & Stewart, we help many workers every year get benefits, and we want to help them better understand the process. Two important facts we want injured workers to know are:
- Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to be temporary. Unlike Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, which are paid out to injured workers who are permanently disabled until they reach retirement age, workers’ compensation benefits are temporary and are often paid for only a few years.
- Workers’ compensation benefits don’t cover non-workplace injuries or illnesses. People who are hurt or become ill due to conditions or events outside of work may be eligible for SSD benefits. But workers’ compensation benefits are only provided to people whose conditions originate at work.
The workers’ compensation system in Indiana is complicated, and it’s all too common for injured or sick workers to find their applications reduced or denied. Don’t take that chance. Get in touch with an experienced Indiana workers’ compensation lawyer today for a free consultation.