Workers' compensation has been around for more than a century. While individual state laws may have changed over the years, the one thing that has remained the same is the basic purpose of worker's comp – to provide compensation for employees injured on the job or while carrying out job-related duties.
To help you better understand the importance of having assistance from the best workers’ compensation attorneys in Irvine, here are some facts about workers’ comp you should be aware of as you consider your options with workers’ compensation.
Workers' Comp Covers More Than You May Realize
There are exceptions, however, many states require employers to have workers’ compensation insurance for all work situations. As for what’s covered, you may know that this type of employer insurance covers medical expenses related to your work-related injuries. But you may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages and financial support for disabilities that may require long-term physical therapy and rehab, wheelchairs and other assistance items, and ongoing physical and psychological care.
It Is Possible to Sue Your Employer, but...
One of the steps often taken by the best workers’ compensation attorneys in Irvine is to help you explore all available options so you can make a well-informed decision. One possibility is to waive your right to workers’ comp altogether. If your injuries were the result of an oversight with slippery floors or a hard fall or impact that occurred because of circumstances beyond your employer’s control, it may not be wise to take this step. However, if your injury was due to a reckless or intentional act, you may prefer to directly sue your employer.
Benefits May Continue When You Go Back to Work
Returning to work doesn’t necessarily mean an end to workers’ comp benefits. The best workers’ compensation attorneys in Irvine can let you know if you may be able to continue receiving benefits even after you return to work. Situations that may result in continued benefits include:
- Having a permanent full or partial disability
- Earning less than what was earned pre-injury because of a need to change or modify job duties
- Having issues with ongoing care related to injuries
You Don't Have to Be Injured at Your Physical Workplace
Workers’ comp isn’t entirely limited to injuries that take place in the physical workplace. In some instances, you may be able to receive benefit payments if your injury was sustained within the scope of employment. Possible situations where this definition of what constitutes a work-related injury may apply include:
- Running errands at the request of your employer
- Using a company vehicle to carry out your job-related duties
- Attending an employer-sponsored event
If you collect workers’ comp benefits, you do give you the right the pursue legal action against your employer. However, you may still move forward with a personal injury lawsuit against a third party not involved with your employer who was partially or fully responsible for your injuries. The best workers’ compensation attorneys in Irvine can help you better understand what additional legal options you may have available.