What do I get?
During the time you are off of work and healing from your injury, you will get two thirds (2/3) of your gross weekly wage up to a certain maximum (see chart). This is called the temporary disability benefit. No temporary disability is paid for the first three days after your injury. If you are off of work for more than seven days, you will then get the first three days paid. You will get temporary disability for as long as the doctors say you are healing. If you return to part-time work or less paying work during this healing time, you will receive two thirds of the wages you are losing. There is no limit on how long this healing period may last. It is up to the doctors to determine when you reach the end of your healing.

In addition to temporary disability the insurance company should pay all of your medical bills which are related to your work injury. You should also get mileage expense during your treatment.

When you reach the end of your healing time your doctor will decide if you have any permanent damage from your injury. The doctor must give you a percentage (%) of disability on the injured part of your body. The state has a chart which explains how much each part of your body is worth (see chart). You get paid a set number of weeks of permanent disability money for each part of your body.

Permanent injuries to your back, head, neck, skin or lungs are paid differently. With those injuries you may make a claim for more money if the doctor restricts you from going back to your job. Generally the insurance company will not voluntarily pay you this extra money for your future wage loss. You should call us to see if you might have a claim for this additional money.

If you cannot go back to your job because of your injury, you may have the right to go to school to be retrained. The insurance company should pay you temporary disability every week you are in school. You must get this schooling done through the State’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. If you cannot go back to work you should contact the DVR immediately or call us and we will help you with that claim.

If you injury makes you unable to work anywhere in the future you will be 100% totally and permanently disabled. You will then get two thirds (2/3) of your weekly wage for the rest of your life. Again this life time money benefit is rarely paid voluntarily by the insurance company. If you are unable to return to work call us to see if you might be able to make a claim for this life time money benefit.

None of the money you receive from worker’s compensation is taxable. You do not need to report your worker’s compensation money when filing taxes. In addition, you have twelve years from the last day that you received any worker’s compensation money to file a claim for more benefits. If you are not sure that you have been paid properly from the insurance company, please contact us and we will be glad to help you.