Most employers have to comply with workers’ compensation regulations. They provide coverage for workers who get hurt on the job. Workers’ compensation can also cover medical expenses associated with job-acquired medical conditions. If workers develop cancer or other debilitating medical issues because of their employment, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Medical benefits through workers’ compensation are of the utmost importance. Professionals are often eligible for full coverage of all necessary treatments. If employees must take time away from work to heal from their injuries or undergo treatment, they may have to address lost wages as well.
Professionals anticipating a medical leave of absence due to a job-acquired health challenge may need to learn about the basics of workers’ compensation disability benefits.
There are four types of disability benefits
Workers’ compensation has a relatively thorough system for assessing worker needs and connecting professionals with appropriate support. There are four distinct subtypes of disability benefits available through workers’ compensation.
People who simply need time off to undergo treatment or heal from an injury may qualify for temporary total disability benefits. Workers who don’t need a leave of absence but rather a change of job functions may be eligible for temporary partial disability benefits due to the reduced wages associated with light-duty job functions.
If a professional has to change careers because of permanent functional limitations caused by their job, they might be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits based on their physical impairments and reduced wages. If medical challenges keep a professional from ever getting back to work, then they might be eligible for total permanent disability benefits that provide financial support until they reach retirement age.
Benefits don’t fully replace wages
While workers’ compensation can provide benefits that last for years or even decades, disability benefits do not completely replace lost income. Instead, professionals qualify for a portion of their lost wages.
Typically, the most an employee receives is two-thirds of their lost income. The state also imposes a maximum benefit amount based on the current average wage across the state. Most workers have to accept at least a 33% reduction in their take-home pay, if not a substantially larger drop because they earn above-average wages.
Given the limitations of disability benefits, optimizing benefits is critical for the protection of workers dealing with employment-related medical challenges. Partnering with a legal professional during a workers’ compensation claim can help workers get the support they need when they qualify for disability benefits.