The repercussions of a work-related injury go beyond physical pain. You may lose your earning ability, experience emotional distress, or face financial loss, all of which should be covered by your compensation benefits. In this post, we answer the question, what are the four types of workers’ compensation benefits?
If you have sustained a work-related injury or illness, find out how expert Phoenix Workers’ Compensation Attorneys can help you.
Medical Benefits
The main portion of your workers’ compensation benefits will go toward paying for your medical treatment. Although the amount may vary from case to case, the payment is typically designed to cover the following expenses:
- Ambulance costs
- Doctor visits
- Diagnostic tests, e.g., CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy and aftercare
- Medical devices and equipment such as pacemakers, crutches, or wheelchairs
- Travel costs for doctor appointments
Workers’ compensation will usually pay for your medical expenses until you can get back to work. However, most employers will require that you see a doctor authorized under their policy.
Rehabilitation Benefits
In some cases, a work injury may prevent you from resuming your previous duties at the workplace or your place of employment entirely. Rehabilitation benefits are designed to pay for career support services like vocational rehabilitation. The purpose is to equip you with the necessary training so you can maintain employment.
Disability Benefits
You may qualify for workers’ compensation disability benefits if your work injury or illness affects your ability to work. These payments are categorized as follows:
- Temporary Partial Disability
A work injury may allow you to work but at a lower capacity, such as for fewer hours. When this happens, you may receive temporary partial disability benefits at two-thirds of the differences between your previous and current average weekly wage.
- Temporary Total Disability
These benefits are awarded when you are unable to resume work for at least seven days. They are usually paid at two-thirds of your weekly wage, to a maximum of $675 and up to 400 weeks.
- Permanent Partial Disability
If your doctor diagnoses you with a partial disability, you may qualify for permanent partial disability benefits, which are paid at the same rate as temporary total disability benefits. How long you receive these payments will depend on the disabled body part and its percentage of disability.
- Permanent Total Disability
These benefits are awarded under extreme cases such as losing a limb or blindness and usually kick in when you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Permanent total disability benefits can be paid out weekly for life or as a lump sum.
Death Benefits
The saddest outcome of a work injury or illness is death. If you lose a loved one in this way, or it happens to you, it can be comforting to know that workers’ compensation benefits also protect the dependents of the deceased. The deceased person’s spouse, minor children, or other dependents may receive benefits at two-thirds of the worker’s former weekly wage.
Talk to a Phoenix Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The Phoenix Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Snow, Carpio & Weekley have a combined legal experience of over 100 years. We are dedicated to defending the rights of workers in Arizona and their families. If you have a workers’ compensation case, contact us today at (877) 370 – 5788 to schedule a consultation.
