No matter how many safety protocols you follow while on the job, you may still find yourself getting injured due to your work. If this happens to you in Colorado, workers’ compensation may come into effect.
Workers’ comp is designed to help both the employer and the employee. It’s an insurance that employers must have, designed to help their employees who become injured or ill due to work-related conditions or events.
If you’re an employee who can’t work and is facing financial obstacles, understanding the kinds of benefits available will help you navigate the process to come.
Employee Injuries
Because there are numerous industries and jobs, there are numerous kinds of injuries that may occur while working.
Some of the most common injuries sustained at work include:
- Cuts
- Sprains and strains
- Eye injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Chronic pain
- Chronic sickness
These conditions may cause ongoing discomfort that complicates your quality of life. When that happens, speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney will give you insight into how to proceed.
Workers’ Comp Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits come in six classifications of benefits.
Medical benefits
If you need compensation for medical treatments, this benefit will provide it. You will receive financial support for several medical-related items and events including:
- Surgeries
- Visits to all doctors
- Travel costs related to medical care
- Medications
- Medical equipment
- And more
Example: If a painter falls off a ladder and sprains his arm, medical treatment may be necessary, and time off and pain medication may be unavoidable.
Temporary total disability benefits
If you cannot return to work for a duration of time, you may be able to receive temporary total disability until you are able to work again. You will be paid two-thirds of your usual weekly wage and a maximum of $1,022.56 per week.
Example: If a cook cuts his hand and is unable to close it, making work impossible and surgery necessary, he may get temporary total disability benefits until his hand heals.
Temporary partial disability benefits
If you are able to work but cannot perform your usual duties yet and the new job offers a lower wage than you’re used to, temporary partial disability will help make up the difference. As of 2022, this has a maximum payout of $1,022.56 per week.
Example: If a server slips and falls and cannot stand on her feet, she may be tasked instead with answering calls and taking phone orders, making less money than she normally would.
Permanent total disability benefits
When your work-related injury or illness makes working any job impossible, permanent total disability benefits can secure ongoing payments for life.
Example: If a construction worker is hit by a piece of equipment and becomes paralyzed and unable to work in any industry.
Permanent partial disability benefits
Permanent partial disability covers three categories:
- Scheduled loss or impairment- this is the loss of a body part or its function, and you may be entitled to benefits for a set amount of time (example: carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Disfigurement and scarring- this is facial and body scarring or disfigurement, and you may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment (example: burns on the hand and arm)
- Whole person impairment- this is provided after a doctor has confirmed you’ve reached maximum medical improvement and given you an impairment level; the level will determine the compensation (example: brain injury)
Death benefit
If an employee dies due to a fatal accident on the job, their dependents may be eligible for compensation for funeral and burial costs and lost income. Income benefits are up to two-thirds of the weekly wage.
Example: A window washer falls from a high story and does not survive. Her husband and child are entitled to a death benefit because they are her dependents. Her child will receive this income until the age of 18.
Workers’ Comp Attorneys Who Fight for You
Having a grasp of the kinds of benefits you may be entitled to is only part of the legal process when filing a workers’ compensation claim. The legal team at Hull & Zimmerman has extensive knowledge and experience with these matters.
Don’t try to work the legal system on your own. We’re ready to hear your story and get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you know need help with a case, contact our North Denver workers’ comp attorneys today.