What Are the Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Denver Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ compensation plans are insurance policies that provide much-needed financial assistance to millions of Americans who sustain injuries or illnesses because of their jobs. There are a few different kinds of workers’ compensation policies that depend on the type of illness or injury you receive on the job. In order to understand if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation protection, it’s important to first understand these different types:

Medical Care

Workers’ compensation laws are regulated by state and federal legislation. One of the most important parts of this coverage is that it provides 100% of the cost of necessary medical care following a workplace injury or illness. This includes any hospital expenses, doctor visits, prescription medications, and surgical procedures, which are required to treat your injury or illness. Some workers’ compensation cases also provide coverage related to psychological care, such as counseling or therapy sessions. Medical treatments that are considered “alternative” or “experimental” are not always covered under these policies.

Rehabilitation

The cost of rehabilitation refers to the ongoing medical care you need for your injury or illness, such as physical therapy following a surgery. This coverage is provided with the anticipation of preparing you to return to your job and be physically and mentally stable.

Disability

There are four main types of disability coverage under workers’ compensation laws: temporary total disability (TTD), temporary partial disability (TPD), permanent partial disability (PPTD), and permanent total disability (PTD),. Disability benefits allow workers to recover a portion of their lost wages while they’re out of work because of an injury or illness. Out of nearly three million occupational injuries or illnesses sustained by American workers in 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 0.9 million cases required time off work for recovery.

Death

Fatal injuries are also covered under workers’ comp legislation — in fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; there were a total of 4,405 fatal occupational injuries recorded in the U.S. in 2013 alone. Even though the deceased individual doesn’t need insurance coverage for medical treatment, most workers’ comp plans provide death benefits to any related family members who were financially dependent on that individual’s income. This type of workers’ comp protection can get complex, simply because every state has different regulations regarding valid relationships between the dependent individual and the deceased worker.

As a result of our experience as Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers, we can help you navigate these complex situations to ensure that you receive the benefits and treatment that you deserve.
If you believe that you might be entitled to receive workers’ compensation coverage because you or a family member have sustained an injury or illness on the job, contacting an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer is encouraged to help identify the best way to work through your case and determine your eligibility.

At our firm, we know that this process isn’t easy and we are here to help. Contact the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, located in Denver, today.