Workplace injuries can happen suddenly at almost any type of workplace, and occupational diseases can arise after months or years of performing certain job-related duties. The National Safety Council (NSC) indicates that overexertion or repetitive motion injuries, falls, and injuries involving contact with objects or workplace equipment are responsible for more than 80 percent of workplace injuries that prevent employees from doing their jobs.
If you’ve gotten hurt on the job, you’ll likely want to know when you can start receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The answer to the question will depend on the state where you are seeking benefits.
Determining Your Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Before you can determine the timeline for your workers’ compensation payments, you will first need to determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. If you are eligible for benefits, you will need to go through the steps required by the workers’ compensation board or commission in your state to file a claim for compensation.
Each state has its own workers’ compensation laws, so it will be critical to understand your rights and responsibilities in the state where you live or work. Generally speaking, injuries must happen on the job or arise out of job duties in order to qualify for workers’ compensation. Traumatic injuries are almost always covered. Many states allow injured employees to seek workers’ compensation benefits for occupational diseases, but some do not.
In most states, you will need to report your workplace injury to your employer within a specific amount of time and seek a medical assessment. Depending upon the state where you live or work, you will not be able to choose your own doctor but rather may need to see a particular healthcare provider from an approved list. All states require workers’ compensation claims to be filed within a specific period of time, and you must file your claim within that timeframe in order to be eligible for benefits.
Compensation for Medical Benefits Likely Will Start Immediately
If you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, most state systems will allow you to begin getting medical treatment immediately. To be clear, you likely will not need to wait for your workers’ compensation claim to be approved before you can have your medical bills covered through your state’s workers’ compensation system. However, you may need to get treatment from a healthcare provider that has been approved by your employer or by the state workers’ compensation system.
Wage Replacement and Disability Benefits
Temporary and permanent disability benefits, which are also known as wage replacement benefits in some states, cannot be paid until your workers’ compensation claim has been approved. Once your claim has been approved, your state will have a waiting period before you start receiving checks in the mail or through direct deposit into your bank account. In some states, even once your application has been approved, you will need to submit additional documentation about your inability to return to work, such as a certification from your healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
If you are unable to work after a workplace injury, you may be entitled to benefits that can help you cover your expenses while you recover. If you have any questions, you should get in touch with a workers’ compensation attorney who can help.