No one plans to get injured at work, but it happens. When an injury occurs, it can be a major financial setback. If you are unable to work due to a work-related injury, you may be wondering how you are going to be able to pay your bills.
The good news is that there are several ways to get the earnings necessary after an injury at work. Here are five of the most common options:
1. Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. These benefits can include medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits.
To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must be an employee who is injured while working in the course and scope of your employment. You must also report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
You may need to go through a process to prove that you were injured while on the job to qualify for the benefits. This will often include paperwork, follow-up questions, a doctor’s visit, drug testing, and more.
2. Short-term Disability Insurance
Short-term disability insurance is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. These benefits can include partial or full salary replacement for a set period of time.
To qualify for short-term disability insurance, you must typically have been employed with the company for a certain period of time and have met a waiting period. Most short-term disability offers are not automatic. You will have to opt in and pay a monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly fee before your injury takes place.
If you have short-term disability insurance, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company after you’re injured. Your employer may be able to help you with this process.
3. Long-term Disability Insurance
Long-term disability insurance is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury for an extended period of time. These benefits can include partial or full salary replacement for a specific span of time. These benefits can also be indefinite for life-altering disabilities.
To qualify for long-term disability insurance, you must typically have been employed with the company for a certain period of time and have met a waiting period. You may have needed to opt-in to the disability insurance and pay premiums with each paycheck. Some long-term disability insurance policies are included with health insurance and/or life insurance plans. Speak to your Human Resources department to learn more.
If you have long-term disability insurance, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company after you’re injured. Your employer may be able to help you with this process. You must have already had long-term disability insurance for a set length of time before the injury.
4. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that provides benefits to workers who are unable to work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years.
The amount of benefits you receive will depend on your earnings history. SSDI benefits are not as generous as workers’ compensation or private disability insurance, but they can be a helpful source of income if you’re unable to work.
5. Personal Injury Lawsuit
In some cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or company that was responsible for your work-related injury. This can be a complex process, so it’s important to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney if you’re considering this option. A successful personal injury lawsuit may cover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you are in Kentucky, injury and malpractice attorneys in Louisville are available to help with these types of issues. If you’re injured at work, it’s important to know your rights and options. There are several ways to get the earnings necessary after an injury at work, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
