The Basics of Workers' Compensation
Whether you are working in an office or a warehouse, there is always the risk of being hurt while doing your duties. When you get hurt at work, you are entitled to a workers' compensation package. San Diego laws direct employers to compensate workers who sustain injuries due to industrial accidents. The compensation is meant to help the workers offset the costs that will result from the effects of the accident.
Workers' compensation claims by workers compensation lawyer san diego work in nearly the same manner as personal injury claims. Therefore, if worker's comp does not apply in your situation, you can file for a personal injury claim to get compensation. The difference between the two is that workers' comp claims are made when you sustain injuries at work while personal injury claims can be made for injuries sustained anywhere.
Understanding Workers' Compensation
In San Diego, most employers are required by law to purchase workers' compensation insurance for all employees. There are other employers that are given an option to choose whether to provide the insurance. If you’re ready to choose an attorney, click here to get started.
When you sustain an injury at work and are diagnosed with an occupational disease, find out from your employer whether you are covered by workers' comp insurance. If you are healthy but are just concerned about your safety at the workplace, you can also ask about coverage.
The Benefits Available Under Workers' Compensation
There are a number of benefits that employees injured at the workplace are entitled to. The benefits may include:
i) Medical assistance for treatment of your disease or injury
ii) Lost income benefits to help you recover lost wages
If a loved one has died of an occupational disease or work-related accident, the family members may be entitled to death and burial benefits.
However, just because you are injured at the workplace does not mean you will automatically qualify for workers' compensation benefits. There are some injuries that the employer may not be liable to offer compensation for. For example, you may not be compensated if:
i) It is determined that you got injured because you were intoxicated at work
ii) You were injured by another person due to personal reasons
iii) The injury occurred due to natural causes e.g. storms, floods, etc.
iv) You were injured deliberately or sustained your injuries while trying to injure another person
v) You sustained your injuries while participating in recreational or social activities while off work.
If you are compensated by the employer or insurance company for your injuries and accept the compensation, you cannot sue for additional benefits. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_firm to find out about law firms.
