Does Workers’ Comp Pay Lost Wages?

Getting injured on the job turns your life upside down. While nothing can make up for the physical and emotional trauma of a workplace injury, it’s important to know your rights. This includes your options for compensation.

One of the most common questions that injured workers have is whether workers’ compensation will pay for lost wages. Here’s what you need to know.

Workers’ compensation is a system that provides benefits to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their jobs. These benefits include:

Medical treatment
Rehabilitation expenses
Disability payments

In most cases, workers’ compensation will cover a portion of an injured worker’s lost wages, but there are some limitations to this coverage.

How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay?

The amount of lost wages that workers’ compensation pays depends on several factors, including:

Severity of the injury
Duration of the injury,
Worker’s average weekly wage
State in which the injury occurred

In general, workers’ compensation covers about two-thirds of an injured worker’s average weekly wage, up to a certain maximum amount. However, this varies by state, so it’s important to check the specific guidelines for your state.

It’s also worth noting that workers’ compensation typically does not pay for the first few days of lost wages unless the worker is disabled for at least a week. Additionally, workers’ compensation benefits are usually tax-free, which can be a big relief for injured workers who are already struggling with financial hardships.

Benefits are Not Automatic

One important thing to keep in mind is that workers’ compensation benefits are not automatic.

To receive benefits, you need to file a claim with your employer or their insurance company first. This process can be complicated and time-consuming, so it’s advisable to seek legal advice from a workers’ compensation attorney. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that you receive the full benefits to which you are entitled.

Does Workers’ Comp Pay Lost Wages?

Yes. You’ll receive at least a portion of lost wages when you receive workers’ comp benefits.

Workers’ compensation provides much-needed financial support for injured workers. While it’s not always a perfect system, it eases some of the financial burden and stress that comes with a workplace injury. People injured on the job must understand their rights. This includes their right to lost wages. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney for guidance and support in navigating the complex legal process.

If you’d like more information or you’re ready to schedule a consultation to discuss your options we can help. Contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.