Workers’ Compensation: What Benefits Can You Receive?
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Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation can be daunting, especially after an injury at work. This blog post outlines the benefits you may be entitled to, from medical expenses to wage replacement, and emphasizes the importance of consulting a lawyer near you to ensure your rights are protected.
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Discover the essential benefits of workers' compensation, including medical expenses, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation. If you have been injured on the job, learn how to protect your rights and find an attorney near you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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Mar 29, 2025 04:27 PM
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Workers’ Compensation: What Benefits Can You Receive?
Getting hurt on the job can change everything—your health, your paycheck, and your peace of mind. But if you’ve been injured at work, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Workers’ compensation laws exist to protect you, and they entitle you to specific benefits to help you recover physically and financially.
Still, many workers don’t know what those benefits actually include—or how to make sure they get them. Worse, some employers and insurance companies try to downplay, delay, or deny your rights.
This post breaks down what benefits you can receive through workers’ compensation, what’s covered, how it works, and when to talk to a lawyer near you to protect your rights.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical, wage, and disability benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job. It's a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits even if the accident was partly your fault.
In exchange, you usually give up the right to sue your employer for negligence—but you gain access to fast, accessible benefits that support your recovery.
What Benefits Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits you may be entitled to:
1. Medical Expenses
This is the core of most workers’ comp claims. You’re entitled to coverage for:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medical equipment (e.g., crutches, braces)
- Travel reimbursement to medical appointments (in some states)
There’s no deductible or copay—you shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket for treatment related to your workplace injury.
2. Wage Replacement (Temporary Disability Benefits)
If your injury prevents you from working, you’re entitled to a portion of your wages through:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you can’t work at all during recovery
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can work reduced hours or duties
These benefits usually pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state-mandated cap. Some states have minimum and maximum weekly amounts.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury results in permanent limitations, you may qualify for:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you can still work but lost some physical function or earning ability
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you can no longer work in any capacity due to your injury
Benefits are typically based on your impairment rating, occupation, and lost earning capacity.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation
If you can’t return to your previous job, workers’ comp may pay for:
- Job retraining
- Vocational assessments
- Resume workshops
- Career counseling
- Job placement assistance
The goal is to help you transition into a new career or role that accommodates your limitations.
5. Death Benefits
If a worker dies from a job-related injury or illness, their dependents may receive:
- Weekly wage replacement
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Survivor’s benefits for spouses and children
Each state has specific rules for who qualifies and how much is paid.
How Long Do Workers’ Comp Benefits Last?
The duration of benefits depends on:
- Your state’s laws
- Your doctor’s medical evaluation
- Your disability rating
Temporary disability benefits may last up to 104 weeks in some states. Permanent benefits may last years or for life, depending on the severity.
Make sure you get regular medical evaluations—because insurers often try to end your benefits prematurely.
What Doesn’t Workers’ Comp Cover?
Workers’ compensation generally does not cover:
- Pain and suffering damages
- Compensation for emotional distress (unless connected to a physical injury)
- Injuries caused by intoxication, horseplay, or intentional self-harm
However, you may have additional legal claims if a third party (like a contractor or defective equipment manufacturer) contributed to your injury.
Ask a lawyer near you whether a third-party lawsuit is an option.
What If Your Claim Gets Denied?
Denials happen more often than you’d think—especially when insurers:
- Dispute that the injury was work-related
- Claim you missed deadlines
- Question your medical evidence
- Say you can still work full duty
But you can fight back. Learn how in How to Handle a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim and get help from a skilled attorney near you who can appeal your denial.
What If Your Employer Retaliates?
It’s illegal for employers to fire, demote, or harass you for filing a workers’ comp claim. If you were retaliated against, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Final Thoughts: Workers’ Comp Is a Right—Not a Favor
If you’ve been injured on the job, you have a legal right to receive workers’ compensation benefits—and you shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or tolerate pushback to get them.
If your benefits were denied, cut off too soon, or if you suspect your employer is interfering with your claim, it’s time to call in backup.
ReferU.AI connects you with a top-rated attorney near you who specializes in workers’ compensation and employment law. Our AI-powered platform matches you based on legal performance—not just ads—so you get help you can trust.
Get what you’ve earned. Get the care you need. Get help today—with ReferU.AI.