3 Frequently Asked Questions About Worker's Compensation Benefits

Law Blog

After suffering an injury on the job, worker's compensation law allows you to receive benefits to cover medical and other costs. The application process for the benefits depends on how you got the injury and the evidence you have to support your claim. In most cases, the process is straightforward, and all you have to do is file a claim. Here are a few questions that can help you understand the compensation process:

Can You Start a New Job While Still Receiving Benefits?

It is common for an injured employee to consider looking for a new job when they have suffered an injury in their old job. Some people want to find work in an industry with lower risks. In other cases, the nature and severity of the injury leave the employee with no option other than to change their career.

If you are in this situation, you should still think about how the changes in your employment situation could affect the benefits you receive. While your benefits won't be canceled if you get a new, lower-paying job either with your current employer or with a new one, your weekly pay rate may be reduced. You should also be aware that if your new job pays you as much or more than what you made at your previous job, your workers' compensation benefits will be canceled.

What are the Benefits of Settling?

There are certain risks associated with taking a settlement for your worker's compensation case. However, when you handle it with the help of a competent lawyer, it can also come with many benefits. For example, instead of weekly payments, you could receive a tax-free lump sum. You could also change doctors and continue the treatment course that you prefer. You might be able to stop going in for independent medical examinations, and finally, you can be hired for new jobs without jeopardizing your benefit payments. An attorney will guide you throughout the process of getting a settlement. 

How Do You Negotiate A Worker's Compensation Settlement?

You need to understand how the entire negotiation process works and the top things to consider when making the settlement. You should consider your current medical costs and the treatments that you might need in the future. You should also factor in the possible loss of future earnings.  You'll also need to be aware that worker's compensation claims do not include damages related to pain and suffering, and that you can only receive a compensation settlement once the worker's compensation commission has approved it.

Professional legal guidance can help you move through the claims and settlement process more quickly and confidently. You should hire a professional workers' compensation lawyer immediately after you are injured on the job. 

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19 November 2021

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Several years ago. I found myself facing a suit as the result of a traffic accident. Fortunately, a friend knew a great car accident attorney who was willing to take my case. She represented me well and the suit was eventually dismissed. That woke me up to the fact I needed an attorney to call on for other matters. Fortunately, I found a family attorney who could help with everything from creating last wills and testaments to dealing with personal injury cases. Today, I feel prepared to take on any legal issue that could come along. The trick is to choose the right attorney. Keep reading and I'll share how I made decisions that are right for me. Hopefully those same ideas will help you find legal counsel that you can depend on.