What benefits may you be entitled to if you are injured at work?

Whether are new to your job or whether you are nearing retirement, there is always the chance you could be injured at work. While some injuries are minor, other injuries are serious and can necessitate an extended leave from work while you recover. Not being able to earn an income can be financially devastating during a time where you should be able to focus on your health without worrying about how your bills will be paid. For this reason, New York offers workers’ compensation benefits to qualifying individuals to help bridge the gap financially while they cannot work. It is important that you understand what benefits you may be entitled to.

Health care benefits

Workers’ compensation can include compensation for medical expenses. It is important that if you are injured on the job, that you do not pay your medical bills yourself. It is your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer’s responsibility to pay those bills. You may even be reimbursed for mileage and expenses incurred due to treatment, so it is important to keep receipts for travel expenses so you can submit them to your workers’ compensation insurer.

Lost wage benefits

Workers’ compensation covers a portion of your lost wages in specific circumstances. One is if your injury keeps you away from work for more than seven days and you are totally or partially disabled. Another is if you can return to work but at reduced pay because your injury only allows you to work fewer hours or perform lesser-paying job duties. Keep in mind that your employer may continue paying your wages. If so, you will not be reimbursed for lost wages from your workers’ compensation insurer.

Learn more about workers’ compensation in New York

Health care benefits and lost wage benefits are the two primary types of workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to if you are injured on-the-job and cannot work. These benefits can be the financial lifeline you need during a difficult time. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Our firm’s webpage on workers’ compensation may be a useful resource to those who want to learn more about this topic.