Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Greeley
Suffering an injury in a workplace accident can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. You deserve fair compensation, but it can be difficult to know where to start. You may have heard of workers’ compensation insurance, but you may not know what benefits it can provide.
A knowledgeable lawyer could answer questions about workers’ compensation benefits in Greeley and help you pursue the payments that you need to move on with your life. Get in touch with a workers’ compensation attorney to learn more.
Medical Benefits Available for Injured Workers
State law requires employers to provide medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases. As such, injured workers may receive compensation for deductibles or co-pays that cover their medical needs. Doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, therapy, and testing such as MRIs and X-rays are included.
Colorado workers’ compensation laws do not place a cap on medical benefits. While insurers and employers will sometimes dispute claims to keep premiums and payouts at a minimum, these tactics should not discourage injured employees. A skilled lawyer in Greeley could help someone fight for the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.
Compensation for Lost Wages and Disability
After an injury on the job, an employee may have to take time away from work to recover. Employees that are unable to work for more than three days are entitled to compensation for lost wages.
Workplace accidents can result in a temporary or permanent disability that prevents someone from returning to work. Wage compensation is broken into subcategories that address the benefits that are available for different forms of disability.
Temporary Disability
When an injured worker cannot perform their job for a short period, this is known as temporary disability. Temporary disability can be “total” if an employee cannot perform any job while recovering or “partial” if they can work at a reduced level.
Temporary benefits usually pay two-thirds of a worker’s pre-tax wages, though state law places a cap on these benefits. Employees are not required to pay taxes, union dues, or retirement account contributions while collecting these benefits.
Permanent Disability
During an injured worker’s recovery, their physician will determine when they have healed to the point where they can make no further improvement. If someone’s maximum medical improvement (MMI) is not the same as their pre-injury condition, they are considered either partially or permanently disabled.
Permanent partial disability (PPD) means an employee can work in some capacity but will never return to their condition before the injury. An employee has a permanent total disability (PTD) if they cannot return to any job. In Greeley, workers’ compensation benefits are calculated based on the percentage of disability, supported by a physician’s analysis.
Disfigurement
Work-related injuries can cause disfigurement to visible areas of the body, such as burns to the face or hands or extensive scarring. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 8-42-108, an employee may be entitled to additional compensation for disfigurement on top of permanent disability. Insurance companies sometimes challenge claims of disfigurement and disability, which is why working with an experienced lawyer is crucial to getting fair compensation.
A Greeley Attorney Can Fight for Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation exists to help alleviate the financial burdens of injured workers. These payments can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of your injuries. Your medical care and a portion of your wages could be paid for, providing you and your family stability while you recover.
There are strict deadlines to receive these benefits, and insurance companies may challenge your claims. While you heal, let a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer fight for your rights. Call today to learn more about workers’ compensation benefits in Greeley.
