When an injury or death occurs during the course of employment, the injured employer or their dependents may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. It is important for injured workers and their families to be familiar with the different types of workers’ compensation benefits available and how they may be able to receive them.
Workers’ compensation benefits for employees and their families
Being injured on the job can be a significant disruption for injured workers and their families. If the workplace accident is fatal, it can be even worse. There are several different types of workers’ compensation benefits injured employees may be able to receive and benefits that may also be available to surviving family members following a fatal workplace accident or illness.
Medial benefits are a category of benefits intended to help injured workers address the medical care they need because of the on-the-job injury they have suffered. All necessary and reasonable medical care, prescriptions and hospitalization-related charges are paid directly for the injured worker.
Benefits for wage loss are based on the extent of the injured workers’ disability. Categories of disability injured workers may fall into can include temporary total disability, permanent partial disability and permanent total disability. Benefits may be available at each level for workers suffering with a disability that resulted from a workplace injury. Once the worker has reached maximum medical improvement, and their medical condition is not expected to get better, if they are left with permanent injuries, benefits may be available depending on the nature of their injuries and disability.
Lastly, death benefits totaling 70% of the worker’s weekly wage, subject to a limit, may be paid to surviving dependents of a worker killed on the job. Dependents can include surviving spouses and children and it is important to note the funeral benefits may also be available as well. Workers’ compensation benefits can help address and cover a range of concerns for injured workers and their families that they should be aware of.