Workers’ compensation benefits are a lifeline for workers injured on the job.
Due to this, the vast majority of Kentucky workers should receive coverage from their employer’s policy and can draw benefits if they suffer an injury or illness because of work-related duties.
So, what does workers’ comp cover?
Workers’ Comp Pays for Medical Care
Employees can suffer a variety of injuries at work. According to statistics, the most common injuries from:
- Overexertion, such as lifting, pulling, pushing, kneeling, etc. This can lead to strains, sprains, fractures, and other injuries. Overexertion is the most common cause of work-related injuries.
- Slips and falls. Workers can suffer a broken bone or concussion if they fall on the same level or onto a different level.
- Collisions with objects. Cargo or other equipment might slam into a worker, causing contusions, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and other injuries.
In order to treat your injuries and illness, workers’ compensation benefits will cover 100% of all reasonable and necessary medical treatment.
Workers’ Comp Also Covers Ongoing Care
Some employees will need medical care long into the future. For example, they might need:
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery
- Specialist treatment
- Assistive devices (such as a wheelchair)
In many situations, workers’ comp will continue to cover all of this future medical care, provided it is reasonable and necessary.
Workers’ Comp Covers a Portion of Lost Wages
Some injured workers can continue to do their jobs as they try to recover. However, other workers will need to take time off to heal. Workers’ compensation covers a portion of your lost wages—two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum benefit, which changes each year.
If you are still injured after reaching maximum medical improvement, then you might qualify for either of the following:
- Permanent partial disability. This means you have a permanent impairment rating under the American Medical Association Guidelines, for which a weekly income benefit is payable for the length of time prescribed by the statute. If your injury prevents you from doing the same work as before, the weekly benefit increases according to the statutory multipliers.
- Permanent total disability. You have a disability that will completely prevent you from doing work. The weekly income benefit is payable until the age of 70 or four years after the injury or last exposure.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation disability benefits do not provide 100% of your lost wages, so most workers will see a reduction in their income as they try to recover.
Workers’ Comp Pays a Death Benefit
Too many Kentucky workers continue to die as a result of injuries or illnesses sustained at work. If this tragedy strikes a loved one, then you should be aware that workers’ comp will pay survivors for the following:
- Funeral expenses. You can receive a lump sum that will pay for a funeral service and burial.
- Lump sum and/or weekly death benefits. If you are the spouse or dependent of a Kentucky worker who died from a workplace injury or illness, you may also be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. You may even receive both a lump sum and weekly benefits.
The amount you can receive and the duration of the payments depend on several factors. You should discuss your case with a workers’ compensation lawyer to find out more.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover? Speak to Us Today
Injured workers and their families face numerous obstacles after a workplace injury. At Harville Law Offices, our Louisville workers’ compensation lawyers have helped countless clients receive the benefits they need to land back on their feet.
For more information about how we can help, please contact us for a free consultation.
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