Getting injured on the job is one of the most frustrating things to experience. It’s easy to convince yourself to simply keep on working past the injury, especially in mild cases, but it is imperative that you seek medical attention right away to appropriately file a claim for worker’s compensation. Depending on the severity of your work-related injury, such as fractures or sprains of the back, your back-injury compensation can vary and the process may be slightly more complex and therefore require greater detail for filing. To properly navigate the process of filing a worker’s compensation claim, you need the help of a lawyer. They’ll make sure to get you exactly the settlement you need for a speedy recovery and the return to a fulfilling life.
How Much Can I Expect from Worker’s Compensation for My Back Injury?
The average compensation for job-related back injuries is around $23,600, just slightly higher than all other injuries ($21,800). Still, there is no clear answer on just what you can expect from a worker’s compensation claim. This is because there are a few factors that influence the outcome of such a claim including state laws and the severity of the injury. First, you must know that across all states, when you file for worker’s compensation, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You are an employee of the establishment where you were injured
- Your employer must carry worker’s compensation insurance
- Your injury occurred on the premises of your workplace and during work hours
- Your injury must have been a direct consequence of work-related activities
Your eligibility for compensation and settlement amount may also be influenced by the type of work that you have and your citizenship status. For instance, undocumented employees are covered by most states’ worker’s comp laws, although legislation related to this continues to change as states actively resist covering undocumented workers.
On the other hand, individuals that are US citizens but work domestic jobs, such as housekeepers or caregivers, may have access to fewer benefits or face greater complications in seeking compensation than permanent employees in a formal business, for example.
What is Covered by Worker’s Compensation?
When you file a claim for worker’s compensation, although it may be nearly impossible to project the amount you’re entitled to, you do have the right to request enough financial assistance to cover all expenses incurred from the incident. This includes:
- Loss of wages: If your injury has affected you to the point of being unable to work at all or has resulted in severely reduced work hours, you are entitled to compensation for the lost wages. The amount you receive for this is typically about 66.7% of your normal rate, however, this will differ from state to state.
- Loss of earning power: This is slightly different from the loss of wages in that this is specific to individuals who can return to work, however, in an entirely different capacity. They are unable to continue performing the duties of the job in which they incurred their injury, and must take another, lower-paying job.
- Medical expenses: Any medical expenses resulting from your injury can be covered through the settlement of a worker’s compensation claim. The doctors will address the bills to your employer and their worker’s compensation insurers.
You don’t have to approach the filing of a worker’s comp claim on your own. Back injuries are incredibly complex injuries that can result in temporary discomfort or even permanent disability in some cases. To get the right settlement for your circumstances, get the help of an experienced attorney.
