A workplace injury can have a devastating impact, separating a person from their livelihood and jeopardizing their health. A Springfield workers’ compensation lawyer can help.
Thankfully, most work-related injuries and illnesses are covered under workers’ compensation. The Springfield-based workers’ comp attorneys of The Bainbridge Firm can help injured workers obtain restitution under the law.
Compensation for Work-Related Injuries
Workers’ compensation cases in Springfield are designed to pay for medical treatment of injuries and illnesses that are related to work. It also covers wage benefits for a portion of lost wages, as well as other expenses such as disability payments and costs of retraining to prepare for new jobs.
A Springfield work injury lawyer could help you obtain the maximum amount possible as part of your settlement. Moreover, they could assist with a dispute resolution process to resolve differences without court action.
Generally, workers’ comp covers all of your medical needs following a workplace accident, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications and over-the-counter medication, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and prosthetics. It may also include any future medical treatments you might need as a result of your injury or illness.
It is important to notify your employer as soon as you sustain an injury at work, in order to ensure that a paper trail exists. If your employer or their insurance company tries to deny you benefits or underpays you, a Springfield workers’ comp attorney can help you fight back.
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation covers medical treatment related to a work injury or illness. This can include hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits and physical therapy. It also may cover medication, prosthetics and other care.
Health care providers must follow the Medical Treatment Guidelines set by the Board when treating an injured worker. These guidelines are designed to prevent an insurance company from denial of treatment.
When an injury results in a permanent loss of a body part, a permanent partial disability (PPD) settlement can help to offset a reduced quality of life. PPD payments are based on a compensation chart that takes into account the specific body part involved and its percentage of impairment.
In some cases, an employer may offer to pay a lump-sum of money instead of weekly checks. It is advisable to consult with an attorney before accepting this type of settlement. The lawyer can make sure that your employer is paying you for all of the benefits you deserve.
Disability Benefits
A workers’ compensation attorney in Springfield can help to make sure that employees receive the maximum benefits they are entitled to under the law. This includes reimbursement for medical bills and payment of lost wages. It also includes disability benefits.
If a worker is injured and unable to work as much as they could before their injury, they may be eligible for temporary partial disability payments. These are paid weekly at 66 2/3 percent of the difference between what an employee was earning prior to their injury and what they are now able to earn.
If a worker is completely unable to perform any work, they can seek permanent total disability benefits. This is also paid weekly at a rate of 66 2/3 percent of the average weekly wage. A Springfield workers’ comp lawyer can ensure that a claimant gets a fair rating of their ability to work by a doctor who is experienced in this type of evaluation.
Loss of Earnings
All employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in the state of Missouri. When an employee suffers a work-related injury, they are legally entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses and partial or total disability benefits depending on the type of injury. However, there are many reasons why an employer or insurer might try to deny a claim or limit the amount of compensation.
A Springfield workers’ comp attorney can make sure you get all of the benefits to which you are entitled. They can also help you negotiate a fair settlement and fight any efforts to reduce or eliminate your benefits.
Workers’ compensation benefits are calculated in a way that accounts for the amount of time a person will be out of work due to their injury. It can be complicated to calculate and is dependent on many different factors. A knowledgeable and experienced workers’ comp lawyer can assist you in this process.