What Will Workers’ Compensation Cover?
According to the most recent statistics released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 3 million recordable, nonfatal workplace injuries in 2014. These are just the injuries and illnesses reported by private employers that were reported for workers’ compensation.
Wisconsin and Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Benefits
What benefits are you eligible for if you are injured on the job? In Wisconsin and Minnesota, you are entitled to three types of benefits when injured at work: income benefits, medical benefits, and return to suitable employment.
Income Benefits
The first question you likely have if injured at work is — how am I going to get paid? In short, you are eligible to income benefits based on a formula provided by Minnesota law. The amount depends on your average weekly wage prior to the injury. Typically, you have to be out of work for a certain period of time before income benefits kick in. If the worker is killed on the job, there is a lump sum due to a surviving spouse and/or dependents. It is very important to ensure that you are being paid the wages you are owed.
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits for workers’ compensation include all treatment related to the injury. The insurance company will try to direct you to the medical professionals of their choice. Did you know that you can request a different medical professional under certain circumstances? If you have any questions about this process, the insurance company is not the best source of advice. Your best course of action is to seek legal assistance. Our legal professionals have many years of experience handling medical benefit questions arising from workers compensation injuries.
Return To Suitable Employment
Once you have reached maximum medical improvement, it is expected that you will return to work. This is where the third type of benefit — return to suitable employment — kicks in. This is a tricky area since many employers will be resistant to your return to employment. It is especially important to seek legal assistance from a firm with years of workers’ compensation experience when dealing with a return to work issues.
Let Us Assist You
We at the NOVITZKE, GUST, SEMPF, WHITLEY & BERGMANIS are your Western Wisconsin and Minnesota resource for all questions relating to workers’ compensation. Please contact us today at (859) 252-0824 or online for a free consultation.