Workers’ Compensation pays you in many situations when you are injured at work. But there are limits you need to be aware of. Your employer or their insurance company will sometimes try to limit what you can receive. If you are having difficulty getting the pay you’re entitled to, you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer.
You May Not Receive Pay on the Same Schedule
If you have sick leave, your company may pay you at the same rate and on the same schedule that they normally do. But sick leave usually runs out very quickly.
If you are not able to work during recovery, your company or their insurance company should process your claim within about 15 days. If they approve it, they should pay within a few days of that approval. You should expect to receive about 67 percent of your pay. Workers’ compensation benefits are not usually taxed like regular pay is, which makes your pay about what you got as regular take-home pay.
It’s Important to File as Soon as Possible
It’s important that you file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. When the doctor is first treating you for your condition, let him or her know that you are filing a workers’ compensation claim. Also, contact your company or their insurance company as soon as possible.
This will do two things. You may be able to get your doctor to bill your company or their insurance company for your medical expenses. It is also beneficial to start documenting your case for the workers’ compensation claim for lost wages.
Disability Pay May Cover Your Longer-Term Expenses
As your treatment progresses, your doctor may decide that you have some degree of disability. Your disability may be temporary or permanent. It may also be partial or full disability, meaning your doctor may clear you to return to work, but you may not be able to perform all the tasks you once did.
If your doctor determines that you have some degree of disability, this may entitle you to receive disability payments. These payments are typically longer term than compensation for lost wages. Your company or their insurance company bases them on the length of time they expect you to be disabled, as well as the degree to which you are disabled.
The different types of workers’ compensation pay can get complex. Your company or their insurance company may try to delay or deny your claim. Contact a Milwaukee work injury lawyer to discuss whether your company or their insurance company is treating you fairly.
Thanks to Hickey & Turim, SC for their insight into workers compensation and getting paid after being injured while on the job.