Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to pay for reasonable medical care and replace the wages of injured workers. Depending on the severity of the injury, workers may qualify for temporary disability or permanent disability benefits.
Medical Care
Workers’ compensation covers the total cost of reasonable medical care and evaluations. The insurance company will pay for doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, surgery, and other ongoing treatments. The injury must be work-related or no benefits are owed. The injury must have either occured at work or developed over a period of time as a result of work activities.
The injury or illness must be within the course and scope of employment. For example, a slip and fall caused by a wet floor as a result of working in a restaurant kitchen would be covered by workers comp. If a worker is constantly gripping or grasping over time and acquires carpal tunnel syndrome, they will also be eligible workers comp benefits.
You may want to consult with a work injury lawyer in Orange County if the insurance company claims the injury is not work-related or refuses to cover the cost of the needed medical care.
Temporary Total Disability
Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits cover lost wages as the worker recovers from the injury or illness and is unable to work. As of January 1, 2021, the minimum TTD benefit is $203.44 per week for workers in California; the maximum weekly amount is $1,356.31. To qualify for this benefit, workers must miss work due to the injury or illness. Workers may also qualify for two-thirds lost wage benefits if they are able to return to work under certain conditions, such as working part-time instead of full-time.
Permanent Disability
If a worker sustains a permanent disabling injury, they may also receive permanent disability (PD) benefits. The worker will be examined by a physician to determine what the permanent limitations are, if any. The worker’s disability will be rated according to its severity, the worker’s age, and their occupation. The disability percentage will then be used to calculate permanent disability compensation.
Job Displacement Benefits
California workers may qualify for supplemental job displacement benefits if their employer is unable to modify their work responsibilities or offer an alternative role. This benefit is typically offered as a $6,000 voucher and isn’t affected by the severity of the disability. This voucher may be used for job training, licensing, certification, tests, and other expenses related to making a career change.
The Next Step
Choosing a competent work injury lawyer in Orange County is the best way to make sure you receive all of the benefits you deserve. To discuss your claim with award-winning attorney Thomas F. Martin, call us today at 714-547-5025 or reach out to us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
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