If you are injured while on the job, workers’ compensation is the system in place to ensure you get compensated for your injuries. Many workers are unsure exactly how the system works. After all, it is a little complicated. A common question is whether or not workers’ comp covers time off work due to the injury. This simple guide will fully explain that aspect of workers’ comp.
Types of Coverage
There are two types of damages that workers’ comp covers. These are:
- Objective expenses
- Lost wages
The first covers any expenses that you had as a result of the injury, including medical bills, pain medicine, assistance equipment, and more. This only covers expenses that have an objective, set, monetary value. For example, a medical bill of $1,000 would be covered for $1,000, but monetary compensation for physical pain is not covered as it has no objective value.
The second type of coverage is for lost wages. This is the amount of money that you were unable to earn as a result of your injuries. So, if you have a monthly salary of $5,000, and you missed two months of work because you broke your leg, workers’ comp would compensate you for $10,000. The amount you are compensated is exactly the amount you should have earned. This takes days off, paid expenses, and all other aspects into account. At the end of the day, workers’ comp is meant to make it as if you were never injured at all from a monetary perspective.
Limitations
The exact way workers’ comp functions slightly varies depending on the state you work in, but most states have a minimum number of missed days before workers’ comp covers lost wages. So, if the minimum number is seven for your state, then you would not be compensated if your injury makes you miss one through six days. If you miss seven or more days, then you would be compensated for all of them. It is most common for this number to be seven or 14, although there are many states that are completely different. It is important for you to understand what the regulations are for your state before you are injured. Take the time to research workers’ comp in the state you work in, speak with your employer, or talk with a workers’ compensation lawyer. If you are ever worried about not receiving the compensation you are entitled to, you should always seek out a workers’ comp lawyer immediately.
To learn more or to get started with a claim, contact a hiring a workers compensation lawyer, like from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, maybe in your best interest—call today to learn more about how they can help you.