If you were injured while on the job, you probably have questions about your workers’ compensation benefits, what they cover, what you are eligible for, and more. It is crucial to know the answers to these questions and what steps you need to take to ensure you receive the benefits you need to get you through this difficult time. It would also be wise to hire experienced legal representation to ensure the process goes smoothly and your rights are fully protected.
To help get you started, we compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked workers’ compensation questions:
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What is workers’ compensation?
The fact is that until you actually need workers’ compensation, you might not know much about it. Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that is designed to provide important benefits to workers who are injured or suffer illnesses as a result of performing their job duties. Generally, regardless of who is at fault, an employee with a work-related illness is eligible for these benefits.
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What should I do if I’m injured at work?
After sustaining an injury at work, it is imperative that you report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Failing to report the accident to your employer can result in the denial of your claim. Even if you do not believe you are injured at the time, you should always report workplace accidents to your employer. Not all injuries present symptoms that are immediately apparent and only develop with time. Err on the side of caution to avoid missing out on these crucial benefits.
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Do I have to be injured at my place of work to receive workers’ compensation benefits?
Where you sustained your injury does not matter as long as you were performing job-related duties at the time. For example, if you were injured while traveling for work, you would still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, even though you were not at your usual place of work when you were injured.
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Are all work-related injuries covered by workers’ compensation?
Most work-related injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, but not all of them. If an employee was intoxicated or using illegal drugs, coverage might be denied. Additionally, coverage could also be denied if the injuries were self-inflicted if the employee was committing a serious crime at the time, if the employee was not on the job, or if the employee was violating company policy when he or she was injured.
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Are long-term illnesses or conditions covered by workers’ compensation?
Not all work-related issues are injuries that are sustained in accidents. Employees often receive workers’ compensation benefits for repetitive stress injuries, which occur over a long period of time, or illnesses and diseases that are the gradual result of work conditions.
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Will workers’ compensation only cover my medical bills?
Workers’ compensation pays for all medical expenses related to your condition or injury. However, it also provides disability payments while an injured employee is unable to work, covering about two-thirds of one’s regular salary. It could also cover rehabilitation, retraining, and other benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Salem, Massachusetts
If you sustained injuries or developed a condition related to your job duties, you are entitled to workers’ compensation. At Gatti Law Firm, our team of workers’ compensation attorneys in Salem are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers and assisting them in pursuing these crucial benefits, which can help them get back on their feet. Reach out to us today!
Call our office at 503-594-4944 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.