As individuals, we need to provide for ourselves and our families. Our jobs are our source of income that is vital for providing the necessities for our everyday lives. When people face conditions at work that may be dangerous, they can get seriously injured. While you may think that this could not happen to you, accidents can happen any day at any time. These accidents can occur even in the workplace. If you perform more physically demanding work, you may face an even greater tendency to get injured in an accident. If you are injured, you will not be able to perform the physical nature of your job. This can greatly affect your income. You may not be able to provide as much as you did before your accident. Workers’ compensation can help you out in situations like these.

What is workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation was put in place to make sure employees get the help they need after a workplace accident. It was put in place to ensure that these victims are not quickly fired and someone is substituted into their position. If you were injured in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation can involve economic and noneconomic damages. Damages are forms of compensation through money. Economic damages can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages and lost future wages. Noneconomic damages can consist of compensation for emotional distress due to the accident and pain and suffering.

Through workers’ compensation, victims of an accident may also be entitled to benefits including medical care, supplemental benefits, social security benefits and death benefits, along with the above cash benefits. If an employee is not able to work anymore, they may be entitled to long-term benefits that can help them sustain their quality of life.

How do I qualify for it?

When you are involved in an accident, it is important to seek medical attention to receive the help you need and to document your injuries. This will help to show your employer the accident you sustained and how it has had an impact on your ability to perform your job tasks. However, if you file for workers’ compensation and receive it, you cannot sue your employer. No one is at fault when workers’ compensation is collected.

If a third party is involved in your accident, you should seek legal counsel to find out more on how to pursue a case. However, if you already received workers’ compensation and then file a lawsuit against a third party and are awarded benefits, you may have to reimburse your previously received workers’ compensation benefits.

For strong legal representation from an experienced personal injury, bankruptcy, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, or family law attorney, contact Underwood & Micklin and we would be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your matter.