Worker’s comp system was simply created to help workers with on-job injuries by providing them with several compensation benefits. These workers’ comp benefits are designed to restore workers to a position they used to before they got those injuries.
It is crucial to note that Oregon usually has a no-fault liability. This means workers should be blamed for their injuries. Simply put, employers can’t refuse to file their employee’s claim just because they violated safety protocols. Insurers can’t also deny those claims.
That is where worker’s comp attorney at Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., comes in handy. The attorney will help to eliminate your stress and ensure you get the following benefits:
1. Death Benefits
If one of your family members died from the injuries incurred in their workplace, worker’s comp will provide you with death benefits. Those benefits are paid to the workers’ dependents, children, or spouses. They also include a sum amount to compensate an employee’s family for their loss and coverage for burial and funeral expenses.
2. Medical Coverage
After an accident at the workplace, the first priority of workers should be to seek medical care. If you require emergency care as an injured employee, proceed to the medical care facility or hospitality without any delays. However, if you need ongoing healthcare, check with your boss first.
This is important because most insurers often contract with third-party MCOs (managed care organizations) to offer medical coverage in cases related to workers’ comp.
Under Oregon’s law, insurers need you to choose a doctor within MCO, but it might be possible to continue seeing a regular doctor if they obtain a temporary credential from MCO and agree to work under its terms and conditions.
Fortunately, once your claim for workers’ comp benefits is approved, your boss and its insurance company will cover any necessary and reasonable medical expenses that arise from workplace illnesses or injuries. These may include the following:
- Prescription drugs
- Medical bills
- Certain secondary expenses, like transportation to and from the appointments of a doctor
3. Temporary Disability
Cash benefits vary based on the duration as well as the severity of the worker’s disability. These TTD (temporary total disability) disability get paid when work-related illnesses or injuries temporarily prevents employees from returning to a pre-injury job.
Most employees who get TTD benefits completely recover and go back to work. However, in some cases, injured employees go back to work before reaching maximum medical improvement, usually accompanied by differential or low pay and restricted duties.
4. Salary Replacement
Salary replacement, which gets paid to workers under workers’ comp, is often less than a person’s full salary. Mostly, generous programs pay around two-thirds of the worker’s gross salary.
Workers’ comp benefits aren’t taxable at the federal or state level. Taxes can apply if the recipient has income from the Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability programs.
Final Touches
Your injuries might be psychological or physical. Whichever the case, you can get compensated if your injuries happened in your workplace. Under Oregon’s law, you deserve compensation and workers’ comp benefits. With the help of a worker’s comp attorney in Portland, you can easily get the compensation and other benefits you deserve.
