Many are familiar with a portion of workers’ compensation assistance, but may not know about all of the benefits that it offers. Here are basics of the coverage categories.
Medical Coverage
Medical benefits are most likely the first benefit accessed after a work injury. This can include:
Mileage Coverage
The miles add up when you’re traveling to doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions and the pharmacy. There is a reimbursement provision for mileage, parking and tolls built into your workers’ compensation coverage. This helps defray the cost of fueling and operating a vehicle to get medical care.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injury does not allow you to return to work in your previous position, you may qualify for a supplemental job displacement voucher. This compensation will enable you to train and develop skills for a job that you can perform, preserving your employability.
Death Benefit
A worker’s dependants have a right to receive a death benefit it a workplace injury results in death. An application must be started no more than one year after the death occurs. This includes a burial benefit of up to 10,000 dollars and ongoing compensation depending on the number of dependents. Death benefit payments last until the last dependent turns 18 years old.
Temporary and Permanent Disability Payments
Workers’ compensation also provides disability payments whether you’re unable to work temporarily or permanently. Payments are regulated by California law and are based on two-thirds of your pre-tax gross wages. If your injury is total and permanent, you may be eligible to receive disability payments for the rest of your life.
Initially, you will need to apply for benefits in order to receive them. Many times, there’s a need to have a skilled workers’ compensation advocate who can leverage legal action in the case of a benefits appeal.
