When you get injured on the job, you want to know that your expenses and lost wages are covered. However, compensation for monetary aspects of your case can’t always make up for other setbacks you may face because of your injury. People frequently wonder if they can get compensated for the pain and suffering they experienced, short or long-term, from their injury. Unfortunately, this is one thing workers compensation doesn’t cover.
Workers Comp Coverage
In most states, workers compensation only covers specific costs related to your injury. This includes any medical bills you have to pay to get emergency transport, tests, examinations, surgeries, or other healthcare costs directly related to your injury. If you spend money to buy anything that helps your recovery, like crutches or a wheelchair, then this is also compensated. Physical therapy may be necessary for your recovery and can be claimed. If you are looking for workers’ comp physical therapy in Rosedale, MD then therapists like LeMoine Physical Therapy can be of assistance.
In addition to medical costs, any wages you miss because of your injury can be claimed. If your job requires manual labor and you cannot perform it for some time due to your injury, workers compensation can pay you for some of those losses. This way you don’t have to worry about keeping financially afloat while physically recovering. In cases of death, funeral expenses are covered by workers compensation so that the family does not have to pay for it.
Special Coverages
Some injuries leave employees permanently disabled, in which case they can receive compensation benefits for the duration of their disability. Compensation may also pay for special training that allows an employee to switch positions in a company based on their physical abilities.
Personal Injury Claims
In personal injury claims, the plaintiff may seek pain and suffering coverage from the negligent party. However, workers compensation is specifically designed to cover employees and protect the company from being sued by employees for their injuries. Pain and suffering in a personal injury claim requires a negligent party, which does not exist in a workers compensation claim. You may only sue your employer if they do not have workers compensation coverage for you.
If you are unclear about your workers compensation rights, consider contacting an attorney who deals specifically with workers compensation claims. They can help you understand your situation and what you can claim. Getting legal advice and guidance can greatly reduce the stress of filing a claim when you are already trying to recover from your injury, so don’t hesitate to reach out.