Workers’ compensation does not just cover medical bills. Below is a list of everything that your claim can cover:

• Medical bills: This includes all treatments, procedures, office visits, and transportation to and from medical treatment as it relates to your injury.
• Lost wages: Your regular pay will still be provided while you recover from a workplace injury.
• Disability: If you are temporarily or permanently precluded from work due to your injury, workers’ compensation will cover your disability payments. 
• Death Benefits: If a worker dies due to their injuries, the surviving dependents will receive benefits, including funeral coverage. 

Note: Worker’s compensation does not cover compensation for pain and suffering. In exchange for filing a claim with workers’ compensation, you relinquish your right to sue your employer for more funds. 

How should I report my workplace injury?

Some employees assume that they should contact an attorney before reporting their workplace injury. This is not the best way to handle things. You should report your workplace injury as soon as it happens (or as soon as you realize that you are injured, as is often the case with repetitive motion injuries and illnesses). You will want to report the injury to your direct supervisor and the Human Resources department. 

There is a statute of limitations on workplace injury coverage, so the sooner you can alert your employer, the better. No reasonable attorney will be upset with you for taking that first step. Report first, and call us after.