6 ways you can get compensated after a work injury
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
If you’re one of the many Houstonians who have suffered a work-related injury, you know that it can be difficult to get compensated for your losses. You may be wondering what your options are and whether or not you will be able to receive the financial compensation you need and deserve.
This article will explore six different ways you could get compensated after a work injury in Houston. Keep reading to learn more about each option and how to file a claim.
Workers’ compensation
If you were injured while working, your first option for compensation is workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. In most cases, workers’ compensation will cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages.
To be eligible for benefits, you must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and file a claim with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
However, if your injury was caused by your negligence, you will not be eligible for benefits. Additionally, workers’ compensation benefits are generally capped at a certain amount, so you may not receive full compensation for your losses.
Personal injury lawsuit
If you were injured due to the negligence of another party, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that party. For example, if you were injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver while on your way to work, or if you were injured by a defective product while working, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Unlike workers’ compensation, there is no limit to the number of damages you can recover in a personal injury lawsuit. However, filing a lawsuit can be a long and complicated process, so it’s important to speak with a Houston work injury lawyer who will help to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses. Your attorney will also investigate your case, gather evidence, and file all the necessary paperwork with the court.
Disability insurance
If your injuries have left you unable to work, you may be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Disability insurance is a type of insurance that provides benefits to policyholders who are unable to work due to an injury or illness. Most policies will replace a portion of your lost wages, up to a certain amount.
To receive benefits, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company and provide documentation of your injuries and how they have left you unable to work. Once your claim is approved, you will begin receiving disability benefits until you can return to work or the policy expires, whichever comes first.
Social security disability insurance
Furthermore, if you are unable to work due to a disability, you may also be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI is a federal insurance program that provides benefits to disabled workers and their families. To qualify for benefits, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and paid into the system for a certain period. Additionally, your disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
To apply for SSDI benefits, you will need to complete an application and provide medical documentation of your disability. Once your application is approved, you will begin receiving monthly benefits. If you are later able to return to work, you may still receive benefits for a certain period.
Private health insurance
If you have private health insurance, your policy may cover some or all of your medical expenses related to your work injury. However, you will likely have to pay a deductible and/or copayments for your treatment. Additionally, your insurance company may only cover treatment from certain providers.
Photo by cottonbro
To find out if your medical expenses will be covered, you will need to review your policy or contact your insurance company.
Paying out of pocket
Of course, you can always pay for your medical expenses and lost wages out of pocket. However, this is not always possible or practical, especially if you have significant expenses. But, if there are no other means, you can get a loan, use credit cards, or dip into your savings to cover the cost of your treatment and lost wages.
This option can be difficult, but it may be your only option if you are not eligible for other forms of compensation.
If you are injured on the job, you may be able to receive compensation in several ways. If you are unsure about which type of compensation is best for you, it’s important to speak with a work injury lawyer who can help guide you through the process.
