When you suffer an injury at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. According to Iowa laws, an employee or a student participating in a work-based learning opportunity can be covered if they get an injury, occupational disease or occupational hearing loss.
But what does this insurance type cover? The following are four damages you can claim.
Medical bills
When you are injured at work, you will need medical attention. You may incur surgical, dental, medical, chiropractic, physical rehabilitation and ambulance costs. If you are admitted, you may pay for more hospital services. Further, depending on the injury, you may need crutches and other medical devices. Your employer may cover these expenses.
Lost wages
An injury may make it impossible for you to work. If you get to the third day of being incapable of working after the day of the injury, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. Thus, your employer may be required to pay you the amount equivalent to the lost wages at your regular pay rate for the time you will be absent from work.
Permanent disability
If a work accident results in a permanent disability, such as the loss of a body part or function, you may receive compensation during the healing period and an ongoing one.
Burial expenses
If your loved one died from a work-related accident, the employer may cover the burial expenses to a reasonable portion, not exceeding twelve times the statewide average weekly pay for employees. Further, they may pay the employee’s dependents because they will no longer have the income to support their needs.
Reporting a work-related injury is necessary to receive these benefits and more. You should get more information on workers’ compensation to ensure your claim is resolved to satisfaction.
