Some people who work in dangerous professions have employer-sponsored benefits, like disability insurance, that protect them from financial devastation should they get hurt at work. Other people, including those with high incomes and living standards, might purchase their own private disability coverage as a means of protecting themselves from hardships after a car crash or other incident leaves them hurt.
Unfortunately, quite a few people do not have any sort of private disability coverage, which means they will face an immediate loss of income following an injury. If you get hurt at work and do not have specialized disability benefits, will you still be able to provide for your family?
Workers’ compensation can help pay your bills
Whether you were struck by a piece of machinery in a factory or got into a car crash while working as a delivery driver, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. New York employers generally need to carry coverage or self-insure in the event that someone gets hurt on the job.
No-fault workers’ compensation benefits can pay for all of your injury-related healthcare costs and can also help replace your lost wages. There are both short and long-term benefits available, as well as partial and total disability benefits.
If you experience a short-term leave of absence because of your injury, workers’ compensation can cover up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage until you return to your job. If you can work but must accept a lower-paid position until you fully heal, partial disability benefits can cover part of the difference in your wages.
If you will forever work a lower-paid job or cannot work at all, you can qualify for permanent disability benefits in some situations.
Maximizing benefits is crucial after major injuries
Workers’ compensation benefits alone may not be enough for those who serve as the sole wage earner for their family to replace their lost income. Especially when the consequences of your work injury are likely to persist for the indefinite future, you need to know your rights and make sure you follow the rules to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, as well as look into the possibility of a personal injury claim.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim and understanding when other parties may be partially liable for a work-related injury can help you reduce the financial losses your family must absorb if you’ve suffered occupational physical harm. It’s important to seek counsel after an injury so that you are aware of all available options.
