Do You Know That You Can Be Covered After An Injury?
Before we can dive into the question, “How much does workers comp pay for lost wages?” you need to know what workers’ compensation entails and what the specifics of workers’ comp are in your state.
Workers compensation is a government-mandated benefit program for those in the workforce that have become injured or ill as a result of their job.
There are many different kinds of injuries and illnesses that can occur because of your work, and each case is unique in what benefits it entails.
For an in-depth look at Workers’ Comp specific to Tennessee, check out our article on the subject.
Types Of Workers’ Comp Benefits
First off, to receive benefits, you must report your injury within the appropriate amount of time.
After your claim is made, your doctor must give an evaluation of the extent of the damage, surgeries, treatments, or care that you need, whether it is temporary or will last for the remainder of your lifetime.
Workers comp does not just provide coverage for surgery. There is a range of coverages, from hospitalization and doctor’s office visits to physical rehabilitation to care for the family of an employee that lost their life on the job site.
In case of death, funeral expenses and income loss to the surviving family may be granted.
The benefit categories are as follows: temporary partial disability and temporary total disability, permanent disability, and permanent partial disability.
Job Lost Lost Wages
When considering, “How much does workers comp pay for lost wages?” income is a big factor since lost wages may be difficult to replace.
How Much Does Workers Comp Pay For Lost Wages?
Typically, two-thirds of your wages are paid during your recovery period. This amount can change if you are able to engage in the workplace at a limited capacity.
How much workers comp pays depends on whether your injury/illness is permanent or temporary when you settle and the amount of your settlement.
If a doctor says you are unable to return to work in a two-week window or longer, then you may be entitled to the lost wages from your injury.
It is good to note that there may be a window of several days after injury or hospitalization that workers comp will not pay any lost wages.
For people who have more than one job, they must also prove that the injury limits or prevents them from their other source of income.
Maximum Medical Improvement
A term you need to become familiar with is Maximum Medical Improvement, or MMI for short. Your employer is required to cover your medical needs and other wage loss benefits until a doctor has determined your MMI.
Workers’ Comp Settlement
It’s important to seek professional guidance when moving forward with your workers comp claims since the amount of wages lost is also connected with your settlement amount.
To get a fair settlement, you’ll want to carefully evaluate whether you want to receive your settlement all at once or receive payments as costs and medical needs arise.
If you choose to settle immediately, then upcoming unforeseen costs might not be covered.
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