If you have filed a workers’ compensation claim and you are unable to work, workers’ compensation will pay a portion of your missed wages. You are probably wondering how workers’ compensation will calculate your lost wages if you receive an hourly wage. If you are unable to work the entire week, your workers’ compensation will be calculated by determining your average weekly wage. For example, if you work 40 hours every week at $12 an hour, your average weekly wage would be $480. Your workers’ comp pay would be based off that figure. Usually, workers’ compensation pays about two-thirds your regular salary up to the maximum allowable amount in your state. Usually, that maximum allowable amount is a figure too high to apply to hourly employees. Workers’ Compensation Benefits Workers’ compensation also offers medical benefits. Medical benefits cover the cost of your medical expenses while you are seeking care for your work-related illness or workplace injury. Your employer has a list of approved medical providers to handle workers’ compensation claims. You should seek medical care from a provider on that approved list for workers’ compensation to cover the costs of your care. Workers’ comp will cover everything from the diagnosis and x-rays and scans to any necessary surgical procedures and physical therapy. Medical expenses can add up quickly, so the medical benefits coverage offered through workers’ compensation benefits can be very beneficial to you during this challenging time. What To Do After A Workplace Injury If you are injured while on the job, you will need to notify your employer as soon as possible. An accident report must be filed with your employer before you can pursue a workers’ comp claim. You will need to give a statement regarding the accident and the details of your injuries to your employer for inclusion in the accident report. Any witnesses must also give statements as well. You should maintain documentation to support your claim, such as a copy of the accident report, photos of any visible injuries, and copies of any medical bills and medical records as well as proof of any lost wages and missed work. There are legitimate workers’ compensation claims that are denied and there are claims where benefits are stopped suddenly. In these cases, you will need a workers’ compensation lawyer to pursue your appeal and help get your benefits started or reinstated. Consult With A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer To get your claim on the right track, you will need to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer. Your workers’ compensation lawyer will help you throughout the entire claims process from filing the initial claim to pursuing an appeal for any claims that are denied. With the help of a lawyer, your odds of a successful workers’ compensation claim increase significantly. Workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to get your claim on the right track today. A lawyer who handles workplace injuries in your area will review your case and help you with your claim. Additional Resources What Does Workers' Compensation Cover? How Do I Calculate What I Can Receive From Workers' Comp?
