There are a few different types of workers’ compensation cases to consider. Each is related to the severity of the employee’s injury or illness while working for an employer. These cases can range from a mild occurrence with basic medical treatment needed to the worker is disabled and unable to work again.
These are the different types of workers’ compensation claims and the qualifications for each type of case. Each worker needs to completely and thoroughly document their industry, medical details, and progress through the time covered to collect benefits.
Medical Treatment Without Time Away
These types of workers’ compensation claims involved the employees getting injured but not enough to miss work. They usually receive their required course of treatment and may even need light duty or other modifications to their work routine. However, they can still work with the employer satisfactorily and, in some cases, not miss any work. Although these cases are relatively cut and dry, documentation is still required.
Qualifications
The worker must be an employee of the company and question and not a freelance agent or third-party employee. Additionally, the worker must have worker’s compensation insurance to qualify. Suppose there is an accident or injury involving a worker’s compensation claim. In that case, there must be medical documentation regarding the worker’s condition and whether there are any illegal substances or other band pharmaceuticals in their system at the time of the accident.
Medical Treatment Plus Lost Work
These types of workers’ compensation can be very complex. They can range from the employees getting hurt in receiving medical treatment and then requiring a few days off to recover, or it could involve a lengthier absence from work. If the worker is gone for a substantial timeframe, the employer may terminate the employee. The employee is entitled to collect 2/3 of their total weekly pay in this type of worker’s compensation case.
Qualifications
To qualify for this type of workers’ compensation, the employee must be a valid employee with workers’ compensation insurance. They must also sustain an injury documented to keep them out of work for any length of time. During their period, the worker needs to have a paper trail from medical professionals submitted to the workers’ compensation department. They must also go to each doctor’s appointment and see any doctors recommended for rehabilitation or treatment. The employee must also not be physically able to do the things they would do before, and any observation of this type of activity disqualifies them from collecting compensation.
Medical Treatment with Certain Disability Affecting Their Ability to Work at Their Old Job
These types of cases involve more severe worker injuries. And most of these types of workers comp cases, the worker is injured severely enough to where they can no longer continue to work at their previous job. While the employee collects workers’ compensation, they’re entitled to 2/3 of their income until between 350 and 400 weeks, depending on the circumstances. These types of cases are more thorough, and there’s lots of paperwork and documents required to successfully collect workers’ compensation for the necessary length of time.
Qualifications
The qualifications to collect workers’ compensation for cases where the workers were injured severely enough not to return to their previous employment is a much more complex situation. Thorough and complete documentation regarding the employee’s actions, health, and any substances in their system is taken into close consideration. Medical professionals must thoroughly document the injury with details regarding the severity, the disabilities incurred, and the projected level of disability.
Medical Treatment and Complete Disability
This type of case is the most severe of worker’s compensation claims. In these instances, the worker is injured, so severely they can never return to any work again; therefore, the workers are considered entirely disabled. When it comes to collecting benefits, there is no ceiling or length of time. These types of injuries occur if the worker is paralyzed, loses a limb, or loses any of their senses. Although the worker can collect benefits indefinitely, there may be some adjustments to the claim eventually.
Qualifications
The qualification for a worker’s compensation case where there is a complete disability is a combination of all the previously mentioned qualifications and documentation backing the medical expert’s claims regarding the disability. There must also be clear and concise documentation supporting the claim that the worker will never be able to return to gainful employment again due to their injury. The employee must also keep up with all medical appointments and treatments as directed throughout their lifetime to continue to receive workers’ compensation payments. The caseworker will consider any adjustments as necessary, but the most thoroughly documented cases will provide a lifetime income for the injured employee.
Considerations
Anyone with a workers’ compensation claim should team up with an attorney or law firm specializing in these types of cases. They know the ins and outs of the legal system, and they are familiar with all the documentation requirements and ongoing medical care necessary for the worker to collect workers’ compensation payments. Whether it’s a minor injury or a severely debilitating injury, always work with a knowledgeable legal professional who can guide their client through every step of the process and provide valuable advice and support.
If you’ve been injured on the job or know someone who has, be sure they get the compensation they are entitled to when injured at work. Consult with an attorney today to learn more about these cases and the chances of approval for each particular case.
