Because workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for employers, most workplace accidents should be covered under workers’ compensation.
This means that employees who are injured in the course of their employment are entitled to compensatory benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses that are experienced in relation to the work accident. While workers’ compensation does not provide benefits for pain and suffering, it does provide financial assistance regardless of whose fault the injury was. These benefits can be vital for families during the recovery process. While these benefits can help provide financial stability it often takes some time to receive them.
Before a workers’ comp claim is finalized, you may need outside financial aid to get by. Getting help from a workers’ compensation attorney may help the process along and make sure that you get the full workers’ compensation to which you are entitled.
You may be entitled to other types of compensation as well. You should discuss your case with a Missouri workers’ compensation attorney to talk about your options and what benefits you may be able to obtain.
Social Security Disability Benefits
If you suffer from a severe injury you may be able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. In order to receive social security disability benefits your injury must be disabling enough that you are no longer able to work. The Social Security benefits that you receive combined with the workers’ comp benefits typically cannot exceed 80 percent of the average wages you earned prior to the accident.
Health and Disability Insurance
Another option to cover some of the immediate costs might be your own health insurance. Some employees also have disability coverage through their employer. You may be entitled to disability payments that can begin anywhere from one to sixth months following a workplace accident.
Unemployment Benefits
While you are waiting to receive workers’ compensation benefits you may be able to collect unemployment benefits. In most states you must be able to work in some capacity (as opposed to permanent disability) and also be seeking other employment in order to receive unemployment benefits.
ADA accommodations
The Americans With Disabilities Act provides some options for disabled workers. The Act necessitates that in some situations employers must find another position at your place of employment that you are able to do.
Compensation From a Third Party
In instances where a third party’s actions may have contributed to your workplace accident, you may be able to seek compensation from that party as well. While workers’ compensation laws prevent you from suing your employer even if their action contributed to the accident, you can pursue compensation from any additional parties whose negligent or deliberate actions contributed. For instance, defective products, faulty equipment, or the direct actions of a worker employed by a third party, may allow you to seek compensation from that party or directly from a manufacturer.
Legal Options
Your best option is to discuss your accident with a workers’ compensation attorney to determine what your options are.
If you have been injured on the job in Missouri, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. We can evaluate your case for free and help you determine the best course of action to receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Call us today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our Online Case Evaluation Form.