English 
Spanish If you were injured or became sick at work, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits. In addition to covering the costs of your medical care, they will provide you with the replacement of a significant portion of your income. When you cannot work, those benefits can help you support yourself and your family until you recover and can go back to your job.
You should receive written notice of your approved benefits. They should contain all the information you need to understand what you will receive and when. If you are represented by a lawyer, they can clarify when you should start to receive workers’ compensation payments. They can also clarify the other benefits you will receive and when you can expect your benefits to begin and end.
Is There an Initial Waiting Period to Qualify for Financial Benefits?
If you get hurt at work and your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you can file a claim for its benefits. Prompt medical attention usually cannot and should not wait to avoid any worsening of your condition. Any medical care required to treat your injuries should be available to you right away.
Financial benefits are only available if your injury or illness requires you to miss seven or more days of work. If you opt to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to manage your case, they will carefully track the date your injury occurred. Accurate records can help substantiate your case and avoid unnecessary delays. They will also work hard to meet all required notification and filing deadlines.
How Much of My Previous Salary Will I Receive While on Workers’ Comp?
The financial benefits of workers’ compensation are typically two-thirds of your average weekly salary. Your employer will calculate your average salary and determine the amount of benefits you are entitled to recover. Once your initial payment is sent to you, you should receive regular payments until you are able to go back to work.
A workers’ compensation lawyer in your area can explain the laws of your state and fight for an accurate calculation of all the income you will miss while you cannot work. This is an important part of your case and a primary benefit of hiring a lawyer to represent you. If a miscalculation occurs, you could end up receiving less financial compensation than you should.
How Long Will I Receive Workers’ Compensation Financial Benefits?
Because your injury happened on your job, you can receive benefits until you reach maximum medical improvement. Your workers’ compensation physician will make this determination. The length of time you receive benefits is based on the degree of your disability. Accordingly:
- Temporary disability benefits are payable until you are able to return to your same or a similar job
- Permanent disability benefits are payable if your injury or illness is permanent, according to your doctor
When you review your case with a workers’ compensation attorney—many will do so at no cost—they will explain the specific laws and guidelines of your state. They will also review your case in detail and clarify the specific workers’ compensation payments you will receive and for how long.
How Long Will I Receive Workers’ Compensation Medical Care?
Unlike financial compensation, medical care starts right away. It continues throughout your recovery and pays 100% of your required healthcare expenses. Your medical benefits will start as soon as you are injured, with no waiting period. They may even start while your claim is still pending.
Let your physician know you were injured at work, and they might be able to bill the appropriate insurer on your behalf. The lawyer who handles your claim can also help you obtain coverage for any emergency or other care you received before your claim was approved.
Do I Really Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to File My Claim?
You are not required to have a lawyer when you seek workers’ compensation benefits. In fact, you might think they can be easily obtained since you are entitled to them as an injured worker. Having a lawyer can benefit your claim, though, and take much of the stress and frustration out of the workers’ compensation filing process.
A lawyer can:
- Clarify the filing process right from the start
- Investigate your accident and injuries
- Consult medical experts, if needed
- Explain the paperwork and filing deadlines
- Fight for all the benefits you should receive
- Allow you to focus on your recovery
- Answer your questions and concerns
- Compile medical records and evidence
If your initial benefits request is denied, a lawyer can help you effectively navigate the appeals process. It can be a complex process with multiple phases and require a plethora of paperwork and hearings. Your lawyer can explain each step and fight hard for the benefits you need and deserve.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for Financial Compensation in the First Place?
Qualifying for workers’ compensation should be fairly straightforward. To receive benefits:
- You must be an employee of the company.
- Your employer must have workers’ compensation insurance.
- Your injury or illness must have occurred at work.
- You must notify your employer on time.
- Your claim must be filed on time.
If you were hurt at work and believe you qualify for benefits, consider talking to a local law firm. Most will review your case for free and represent you on a contingency fee basis. They will review your qualifications and inform you of your next steps.
Get Help From Our Workers’ Compensation Team Today
If you or a loved one was injured or became ill at work, you are entitled to the medical and financial benefits of workers’ compensation insurance. If your claim is approved, you will want to know when you should start to receive workers’ compensation payments. Our workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand the process of receiving the benefits you need and deserve.Contact our consultation team at KJT Law Group by calling (818) 507-8525 to learn more about getting your workers’ compensation financial benefits.
