When you get hurt or become ill due to your job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. To be eligible, the injury or illness must have occurred while you were performing work duties directly related to your job.
Workers’ compensation benefits provide much-needed financial support while you cannot work.
Medical care
One of the primary benefits of workers’ compensation is access to medical treatment. If you sustained an injury on the job, your employer’s insurance will typically cover the costs of medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries and prescription medications.
Income replacement
When an injury prevents you from working, workers’ compensation benefits can provide a portion of your lost wages. These benefits usually amount to a percentage of your regular salary and can help you cover your expenses while you recover. The specific amount you receive depends on the severity of your injury and any temporary or permanent disabilities it causes.
Return to work
In many cases, workers’ compensation programs emphasize getting employees back to work as soon as they are medically able. Employers often collaborate with medical professionals to determine the best course of action to facilitate a return to work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, employers reported 2.6 million private sector workplace illnesses and injuries, and many of those employees returned to their jobs thanks to return-to-work programs.
To initiate the process of receiving workers’ compensation benefits, report your injury or illness to your employer right away. Delays in reporting might affect your eligibility for benefits and, as a result, the recovery process.
