{"id":353595,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-comp-benefits-explained.html"},"modified":"2023-10-24T15:07:42","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T20:07:42","slug":"workers-comp-benefits-explained","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-comp-benefits-explained.html","title":{"rendered":"Workers\u2019 Compensation Benefits: What Employees Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Workers\u2019 Compensation Benefits: What Employees Should Know<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-yeban-j-d\/\">Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 24, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Workers\u2019 compensation is a state-regulated insurance system that provides benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. These benefits may include medical care, wage replacement, rehabilitation, and even death benefits for dependents.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes accidents happen at work. You might suffer a workplace injury or even an occupational disease. It&#8217;s important to understand the workers&#8217; compensation system in your state and your right to benefits through the system.<\/p>\n<p>This article provides an overview of workers&#8217; compensation benefits. You&#8217;ll learn what the program entitles you to if you&#8217;re injured at work and other important information.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re recovering from a workplace injury, you have legal rights. If your workers&#8217; comp claim has been denied or you are having issues getting benefits, an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorney near you<\/a> can help. They can advocate for the benefits you&#8217;re owed, allowing you to focus on your medical treatment and recovery.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>What are workers&#8217; compensation benefits?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-basics.html\">Workers&#8217; compensation<\/a> is a type of insurance. It provides workers&#8217; compensation benefits to workers who get hurt on the job. These benefits can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medical treatment<\/li>\n<li>Reimbursement for medical bills<\/li>\n<li>Disability benefits.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Death benefits for dependents if the employee dies from their injury<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These benefits are designed to cover a range of costs experienced by the injured worker.<\/p>\n<p>The federal government does offer its own workers&#8217; compensation insurance for federal employees. However, each individual state has its own workers&#8217; compensation insurance program. State laws govern workers&#8217; compensation insurance. For example, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wcc.sc.gov\/workers-compensation-laws-and-regulations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina Workers&#8217; Compensation Act<\/a>\u00a0outlines the system in that state.<\/p>\n<p>Employers usually purchase workers&#8217; compensation insurance from an insurance company. The cost of this insurance is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/what-is-an-insurance-premium.html\">called a premium<\/a>. It is based on factors like the kind of work done and the company&#8217;s safety record.<\/p>\n<p>Some larger companies <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/workers-compensation.html\">may be self-insured<\/a>. This means they pay for workers&#8217; compensation benefits directly.<\/p>\n<p>In most situations, injured employees receive\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-comp-faq.html\">workers&#8217; compensation insurance<\/a>, no matter who was at fault for the injury. These workers&#8217; comp benefits act as a type of insurance. Benefits preclude the employee from suing their employer for the injuries covered.<\/p>\n<p>Check your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-laws-by-state.html\">state&#8217;s workers&#8217; compensation benefits laws<\/a> by consulting the appropriate office in your state or a local attorney. You can also find your state agency on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/owcp\/wc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Labor<\/a> website.<\/p>\n<h2>What accidents are not covered by workers&#8217; comp?<\/h2>\n<p>Workers&#8217; compensation insurance is designed to cover work injuries. The range of injuries and situations covered is broad, but there are limits. Compensation may be denied if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Injuries happened because a worker was\u00a0intoxicated or using illegal drugs<\/li>\n<li>Injuries occurred while a worker was\u00a0committing a serious crime<\/li>\n<li>Injuries happened while a worker was\u00a0not on the job<\/li>\n<li>Injuries were self-inflicted, like if a worker started\u00a0a fight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>States can impose drug and alcohol testing on the injured employee and can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-comp-denied-here-are-your-next-steps.html\">deny the employee workers&#8217; compensation benefits<\/a> if such tests show the employee was under the influence at the time of the injury. Most of these situations will be uncovered during the investigation. The investigation happens after a workers&#8217; comp claim is submitted.<\/p>\n<h2>What types of expenses does workers&#8217; compensation insurance cover?<\/h2>\n<p>Workers&#8217; compensation can cover a variety of expenses related to a work-related injury. Although the payments are usually modest, workers&#8217; compensation insurance covers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Medical Treatment<\/b>:\u00a0This includes doctor visits, surgery, medication, medical care,\u00a0and other treatments.<\/li>\n<li><b>Disability Benefits<\/b>:\u00a0If an injured worker can&#8217;t work, either temporarily or permanently, they may receive disability benefits. Those with impairments may be eligible for either temporary total disability or permanent disability benefits.<\/li>\n<li><b>Rehabilitation Costs<\/b>:\u00a0If an injured worker needs rehabilitation, workers&#8217; compensation may pay for it. This might include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/rehabilitation-rights-of-injured-workers.html\">costs for retraining<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><b>Death Benefits<\/b>:\u00a0If a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury, their dependents may receive death benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Wage replacement payments are usually about two-thirds of the worker&#8217;s average weekly wage. The eligibility for wage replacement begins immediately after a few days of work are missed because of a particular injury or illness. You may have to be taken off work by doctors approved by the worker&#8217;s comp system or your employer. Those doctors may also decide when you can return to work, either for light duty or full duty.<\/p>\n<p>Remember that if a person collects workers&#8217; compensation benefits, they <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-as-the-exclusive-remedy-for-injuries.html\">cannot sue the employer<\/a>. Workers&#8217; compensation benefits do not cover pain and suffering.<\/p>\n<h2>Does workers&#8217; compensation cover long-term and permanent injuries?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. Workers&#8217; compensation can cover <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/what-types-of-injuries-are-compensable-under-workers-compensation.html\">long-term and permanent injuries<\/a>. These may include permanent partial disability, where a worker is partially but permanently impaired, or it might include permanent total disability, where a worker can&#8217;t work at all due to their injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Examples of this may include carpal tunnel syndrome or back problems from repetitious movement. Some workers are exposed to injurious chemicals or substances over time, and the effects may not be known for years.<\/p>\n<h2>Who is covered by workers&#8217; compensation?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-comp-in-depth.html\">Workers&#8217; compensation insurance<\/a> covers most types of employees. Workers&#8217; compensation covers most full-time and part-time workers,\u00a0including minors who are legally allowed to work. The specifics can depend on state laws and the company&#8217;s workers&#8217; comp insurance.<\/p>\n<p>States commonly exclude some workers from coverage, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/hiring-process\/independent-contractors-overview.html#:~:text=As%20an%20independent%20contractor%2C%20the,entitled%20to%20direct%20your%20work.\">Independent contractors<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Business owners<\/li>\n<li>Volunteers<\/li>\n<li>Employees of private homes<\/li>\n<li>Farmworkers and farmhands<\/li>\n<li>Maritime employees<\/li>\n<li>Railroad employees<\/li>\n<li>Casual workers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because federal government employees are covered under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/the-federal-employment-compensation-act.html\">federal workers&#8217; compensation insurance program<\/a>, they are not covered by state workers&#8217; comp.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-laws-by-state.html\">Some states<\/a> do not enforce the workers&#8217; compensation program on employers with fewer than three to five employees. This varies from state to state.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I sue my employer for a work injury?<\/h2>\n<p>If workers&#8217; compensation covers you, you usually can&#8217;t sue your employer for a workplace injury. The idea of workers&#8217; compensation is to provide benefits without going to court. Workers&#8217; compensation was created as an alternative to filing a personal injury lawsuit. There may be an exception, such as\u00a0if your employer intentionally hurt you.<\/p>\n<p>In some states, however, you may still be able to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-can-i-sue-my-employer-instead.html\">sue your employer<\/a>\u00a0for any reckless or intentional action of your employer that caused your injury. Other states may allow a wrongful death lawsuit if an injury results in the employee&#8217;s death. In general, if you choose to do this, you will waive your right to workers&#8217; compensation.<\/p>\n<p>If you are successful, the court may award a broad <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/injury-damages.html\">range of damages<\/a>. This might include punitive damages, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.<\/p>\n<h2>Can my employer fire me for filing a workers&#8217; compensation claim?<\/h2>\n<p>No. It is generally illegal for an employer to fire an employee for filing a workers&#8217; compensation case. This is considered retaliation, and most states\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/workplace-retaliation.html\">prohibit retaliation by law<\/a>. If an employer does retaliate against an employee for filing a workers&#8217; compensation claim, the employer should be reported immediately to the local workers&#8217; compensation office.<\/p>\n<h2>An Attorney Can Help You Seek Workers&#8217; Compensation Benefits<\/h2>\n<p>Understanding workers&#8217; compensation can be complicated, as there\u00a0are many rules. Dealing with an insurance carrier can also be difficult. If you&#8217;ve been injured on the job and your employer disputes your workers&#8217; comp claim, you will likely need legal help.<\/p>\n<p>A workers&#8217; compensation attorney can help you understand your legal rights. They can help make sure you get the medical benefits you deserve. Attorneys will help you navigate the workers&#8217; compensation system and investigate your workers&#8217; compensation coverage. They are skilled in workers&#8217; compensation law and can provide valuable legal help.<\/p>\n<p>Because state law is relevant, your legal advisor should also be licensed in the state where you work. FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">workers&#8217; compensation lawyers<\/a> can get you started.\u00a0Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Many law offices offer free case evaluations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                          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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                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     class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Accident and injury claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Legal help is crucial if your claim is rejected or benefits are delayed\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. 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