How Workers’ Compensation Can Impact Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

Suffering a workplace injury can be a life-altering experience, affecting your ability to work and maintain financial stability. Understanding how workers’ compensation impacts your rights is crucial in ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve while protecting your legal interests. What are your rights after a workplace injury and how does workers’ compensation affect those rights?

Your Right to Medical Treatment

One of the primary benefits of workers’ compensation is access to medical treatment for your injury. Workers’ compensation insurance typically covers necessary medical expenses, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services. However, some states allow employers or their insurance companies to choose the healthcare provider, which can limit your ability to seek treatment from your preferred doctor.

Your Right to Wage Replacement Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to wage replacement benefits. These benefits typically include:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Provides a percentage of your average weekly wage while you recover.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Offers compensation if you can work but at a reduced capacity.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Given if you suffer a lasting impairment but can still work in some capacity.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Applies when you are permanently unable to return to work due to your injury.

Your Right to File a Claim Without Retaliation

Filing a workers’ compensation claim is your legal right, and employers are prohibited from retaliating against you for doing so. If you experience wrongful termination, demotion, harassment, or other retaliatory actions, you may have grounds for a legal claim against your employer.

Limitations on Suing Your Employer

Workers’ compensation is designed as a no-fault system, meaning you do not have to prove employer negligence to receive benefits. However, this system also limits your ability to sue your employer for additional damages, such as pain and suffering. In certain cases, such as intentional harm or gross negligence, you may be able to pursue a separate legal claim.

Third-Party Liability Claims

While workers’ compensation generally bars lawsuits against employers, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against a third party responsible for your injury. For example, if defective equipment caused your accident, you might be able to sue the manufacturer for additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides.

Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex, and insurance companies may attempt to minimize your benefits. Consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

What are Your Rights After a Workplace Injury?

Workers’ compensation plays a significant role in protecting employees after a workplace injury, but it also comes with specific limitations. Understanding your rights and options can help you make informed decisions about your recovery and financial future. for more information or to speak to an attorney, contact Shugarman & Mehring.