A workers’ comp claim usually starts paying within 21 days of the accident. In some states, the injured employee may receive the benefits immediately after the accident. In some cases, some details may need to be sorted out and would thus increase the waiting period before one can receive the benefits. If you are filing a workers’ comp claim, talk to a workers’ comp lawyer Richmond, VA, today.
What are workers’ comp benefits?
If an employee has been injured due to work or in the workplace, the employer must pay them. These payments are to recover the employee’s damages and are referred to as workers’ comp benefits. However, workers’ comp benefits only apply to salaried employees and do not include independent or contract workers.
Keep in mind, however, that when you accept workers’ comp benefits, you are also giving up the right to sue your employer for negligence.
There are four types of workers’ compensation benefits:
- Medical benefits
- Temporary disability
- Rehabilitation
- Death benefits for people dependent on the deceased
What do workers’ comp benefits not cover?
There are some injuries that the workers’ comp benefits would not cover. These are:
- Cases where the injured person did something illegal
- Self-inflicted injury
- Stress
- Injuries caused by fighting
Who pays the workers’ comp benefits?
In most states of the USA, companies are required to buy workers’ comp insurance before hiring employees. When a workers’ comp injury occurs, the employer is responsible for filing the claim, and the insurance company pays the benefits.
How long does it take to receive workers’ comp benefits?
How long it takes injured employees to receive their benefits depends greatly on the type of benefits they receive. The medical benefits of workers’ comp will begin almost immediately after your claim is filed successfully. The insurance company or your employer will pay all your medical bills involving your workers’ comp injuries.
When do the non-medical benefits begin?
The medical benefits start immediately after your workers’ comp claim is accepted. However, for non-medical bills, the insurance company may take up to 21 days to investigate your case. Thus, you will have a waiting period of up to 21 days before you receive the non-medical benefits.
Talk to a legal professional today
Filing a workers’ comp claim can be very arduous, and many things can go wrong. If you need help in filing your workers’ comp claim, or if you have filed the claim but have not started receiving the benefits, you should seek legal help. Schedule a consultation with an experienced workers’ comp attorney today.
