State laws entitle most workers to collect workers’ compensation benefits after suffering an injury while on the job. You could be eligible for a wide range of benefits depending on the extent of your injuries and the time you cannot work.
It is imperative to understand and follow the steps the workers’ comp laws require, as failing to do so can cause delays and denials of benefits. Call an experienced workplace injury attorney to learn more about workers’ compensation benefits in High Ridge today.
Compensation to Cover Medical Care and Lost Wages
When a worker sustains injuries while completing their job duties, the employer will cover expenses for medical care, including emergency room, hospital stays, surgical, and specialty care. Under the Revised Statutes of Missouri § 287.140, workers’ compensation benefits will cover all reasonable healthcare expenses and up to 250 miles in travel expenses for medical treatment if needed.
One vital factor is understanding that the employer must choose from a list of healthcare providers for treatment. The injured worker must follow the procedures correctly, including visiting the covered providers. A local attorney familiar with workers’ compensation benefits in High Ridge could go over the complete list of rules and responsibilities in more detail during an initial consultation.
Death Benefits to Surviving Family Members
State laws entitle surviving family members to collect death benefits when a person sustains fatal injuries while at work. According to the Revised Statutes of Missouri § 287.243, or the Line of Duty Compensation Act, the family is eligible to collect a lump sum payment of $25,000, pension benefits, and any other death benefits policies the worker had in place.
Workers’ Compensation Disability Benefit Payments
There is a three-day waiting time after the injury, and before the benefit payments begin. Benefit payments will also cover the waiting period if the injured party is out of work for longer than 14 days. The employer’s insurance company will pay the workers’ compensation benefits to the team member. The money is tax-free and covers medical bills for injuries sustained while completing job duties and disability payments. There are four types of disability payments, and those include:
Temporary Partial Disability
The individual receives weekly temporary partial disability or TPD payments, approximately 66 percent of their average earnings. The maximum amount of time to collect TPD payments is 100 weeks.
Temporary Total Disability
Temporary total disability or TTD benefits are about 66 percent of workers’ gross salary before the accident. The maximum TTD duration is 400 weeks.
Permanent Partial Disability
Permanent partial disability or PPD benefits are for people unable to work, and the condition will not improve. Most times, the injured party will receive about 66 percent of their average weekly salary, a lump sum payment, and there is no maximum term to collect the benefits.
Permanent Total Disability
Individuals collecting permanent total disability or PTD payments will receive payments for their lifetime and may also receive a lump sum payment. PTD benefits are about 66 percent of the person’s salary before the accident. A lawyer experienced with workers’ compensation benefits in High Ridge could review a specific case and answer any questions during a private meeting.
Call a High Ridge Attorney to Learn About Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Suffering injuries at work can be stressful. Fortunately, most workers are eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits in High Ridge.
Remember that eligibility does not mean applying for and receiving compensation and benefits is simple. Many reach out to a seasoned legal professional to help them navigate the complex process. Call today to get started on your claim.
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