Workers’ Comp Benefits Explained

If you have been injured on the job, then may wonder what help you could receive from workers’ compensation. Every case is different when it comes to the benefits for which a worker will be eligible. However, in most cases, injured workers face serious financial hardship as well as injuries that threaten their livelihood. These benefits are designed to ease that burden.

If you are an injured worker, you should be aware of what benefits you are entitled to, and you should also contact an attorney to make sure you receive said benefits.

Workers’ comp insurance provides five benefits. You may not qualify for all five. The five benefits are:

1. Medical Care – Any medical care needed to address injuries sustained at work should be covered under workers’ comp. There are limits to this care, however. For example, a doctor will decide what care is needed to treat an injury. If you disagree with a doctor, there is a process by which you may still be able to receive the care you desire.
2. Temporary Disability Benefits – This is money distributed to injured workers to compensate for wage loss due to your inability to work at your usual job. As the name suggests, these payments are temporary and will only be given while you are recovering.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits – These payments are made if you do not make a complete recovery from your on-the-job accident such that you cannot continue working.
4. Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits – These benefits consist of vouchers to assist in funding retraining or skill enhancement efforts. Furthermore, these benefits are for workers who do not recover completely and do not return to work for the employer where the injury was sustained. It should be noted that this benefit only is available if your injury occurred in 2004 or later.
5. Death Benefits –  If a worker dies from an injury or illness sustained at work, then the worker’s spouse, children, or other dependents may be entitled to monetary payments.

Your questions about what you are entitled to under California workers’ comp laws should not go unanswered. You could be missing out on assistance that will make your life easier or could improve your health.

The skilled San Jose Workers’ Comp benefits attorneys at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. want you to get the help you need. We understand that your healthcare is a top priority as is supporting yourself while you are injured. Call (408) 289-1417 today to arrange for your initial, no-cost consultation.

• Answers to frequently asked questions about workers' compensation for employees