Insurance companies are notorious for trying to find “clever” ways to minimize workers’ compensation payouts and save money. Our workers compensation attorneys at Aiello Law Group, however, have no tolerance for this, which is why we’ve gone ahead and listed some of the major benefits you will definitely want to make sure you’re getting if you’ve been injured on the job and need the extra help.
Wage Loss Benefits
Just because you’ve been hurt while working doesn’t mean you have to stress about suddenly having no income. Workers’ compensation automatically covers wage loss benefits to keep your family going even when you’re unable to make it to work. The amount is determined by taking the average of your 39 highest paid weeks in the one year prior to your accident, including all bonuses, overtime, and extra pay, and subtracting 20%. This amount is even income tax free.
Medical Benefits
When you’re hurt on the job, workers’ compensation is meant to cover all medically related expenses without requiring any sort of co-pays, deductibles, or other personal costs. This includes all hospital/ER visits, extended stays, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, surgery, medications, medical equipment, and anything else “considered reasonable and necessary.” Workers even have the chance to choose their own care specialists after 28 days!
Attendant Care Benefits
If your condition has made taking care of yourself difficult, one of the benefits you might not even know exists is attendant care assistance. Insurance companies often won’t even tell you it exists because it’s worth so much. It allows friends and family members to be essentially reimbursed for up to 56 hours worth of pay for helping you manage basic tasks, at market rates! If you require additional help, you can even hire a professional caregiver.
Mileage Benefits
Using a lot of gas to get back and forth to all the appointments you have to go to now? Workers’ compensation can help with that too. As of Jan 1st, 2020, you can get $0.575 per mile back for transportation, as well as have any meals and lodging covered should you need to travel to see a specialist.
Home/Vehicle Modification Benefits
Is your new disability making it hard to get around, even around your own home? Workers’ compensation may be able to help by allotting you money for home and vehicle modifications to accommodate your new condition. This can include the installation of wheelchair ramps, widening of doorways/hallways, bathroom/kitchen remodels, stair aid installations, vehicle power ramps, hand-control installation for driving, and more.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Want to transition to a different career path so you can reclaim your independence? Ask that your workers’ compensation include vocational rehabilitation benefits so you can look into getting some new training or education!
Want Cash Instead? Take A Settlement!
Not interested in any of these benefits at all? Trade your workers’ compensation in for a one-time lump cash settlement and move on with your life instead. Just make sure you get a second opinion from attorneys you trust regarding how much that amount should be!
Want to make sure you’re getting everything you deserve for your injuries? Trust our workers’ compensation attorneys at Aiello Law Group! Call us, today, at 313.964.4900 or fill out the form in the sidebar or on our contact page, and learn more about how we can help you.
