Getting hurt in any capacity is a tough thing to deal with, but getting hurt at work creates a bigger problem that many people never want to face. An on-the-job injury usually results in lawyers, laws and benefits that are not as easy to get as one may think.
Whether you work in a high-risk industry or at a desk job, your company should have workers comp insurance. If they don’t, all employees in the state of Indiana are still eligible for workers’ compensation should they get hurt on the job. A valid injury can be anything from injury due to a faulty machine to a slip-and-fall on an uneven pavement.
If you are injured at work, it’s important to know what is covered by Indiana workers’ compensation to ensure you get everything you deserve.
If it is proven that you were hurt while working and your injury will cause you to miss seven or more days of work, workers’ comp will provide you with lost wages on a temporary basis. The amount you will be paid is a percentage of your average weekly pay, and it will continue until you are able to return to work, in any capacity, or finish your treatments with your doctor. If you are able to return to work, but not necessarily in the same job or able to do as much as you were before because of your injury, you can apply for permanent partial impairment. This will provide you with a partial check every week as long as it is proven by your physician or the physician assigned by the insurance company that your injury will hinder you from working to your full potential.
For some unfortunate employees, their injury is so severe that returning to work may never be in the cards. For them, they will have to try to receive permanent disability, which will allow them to receive workers comp’ checks for the rest of their life. This type of disability is hard to get, and without an attorney, it can be nearly impossible.
For any employee injured at work, Indiana workers comp benefits will cover temporary disability or wage replacement, permanent disability, death benefits, medical treatments (as approved by the insurance and/or physician), job training or job assistance and mileages to and from the doctor’s office. The amount you receive is dependent on your injury and how long you will be away from work and/or your current position. In all matters of injury, Indiana will not cover any pain and suffering.
If you were injured at work and seeking workers’ compensation benefits, it may be wise to have an attorney by your side to help navigate the complicated process. Stewart & Stewart has worked on many workers’ comp claims and helped employees get what they deserve. Give us a call at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website for more information.