Many people aren’t sure if they’re covered by workers’ compensation, especially if they’ve never had to use it in the past. When you are an employee and get hurt at work, there should not be a question over whether your employer has to cover you with workers’ compensation. However, one catch is that any injury you want to claim for has to occur while you’re on the job.
The purpose of workers’ compensation isn’t just to support your financial needs when you go to a hospital or need medical treatments. Workers’ compensation benefits also cover lost wages after a certain number of days have passed. This benefit system provides you with a portion of your missing income.
When you return to work, you may no longer receive these benefits, unless you can show that you’re still losing wages due to your injury. For instance, if you can only return as a part-time employee instead of returning as a full-time worker, then you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits on top of your paycheck.
You don’t necessarily have to be hurt at work to claim workers’ compensation, but you do need to have been working within the course of your employment. If you were on a business trip, for instance, you may still be covered. Your attorney can help you look into the specifics in your case if you are told you are unable to file a claim even though you feel you were working or in the course of employment when you were hurt. Our website has more on what workers’ compensation can do for you.
