August 3, 2023 | Workers' compensation

When an employee is injured or suffers an occupational illness, they may feel alone, powerless and even desperate. Many face mounting medical bills and some even face the possibility of never being able to return to work or make a living in any other way. Fortunately, workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to help ease the economic burden that workers suffer as a result of workplace injuries or illnesses.

The workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system designed to provide workers with a financial cushion when they suffer a work related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation benefits cover losses such as medical expenses related to the treatment of work related injuries and illnesses as well as wage replacement.

Types of Benefits Available Under Workers’ Compensation

Injured workers and those that suffer occupational illnesses are entitled to various benefits under workers’ compensation. These include:

1. Medical benefits – This covers the cost of medical treatment including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy and other necessary medical expenses related to the work-related injury or illness
2. Disability benefits – These include
   1. Temporary total disability (TTD) – this provides wage replacement for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to their injury or illness
   2. Temporary partial disability (TPD) – this provides partial wage replacement for employees who can still work but have reduced earning capacity due to their injury or illness
   3. Permanent partial disability (PPD) – This provides compensation for permanent impairments or disabilities that do not completely prevent the employee from working but may reduce their earning capacity.
3. Vocational rehabilitation – These benefits assist injured employees in returning to work by providing training, education or job replacement services if they are unable to return to their previous job due to their injury.
4. Death benefits – If an employee dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness, their dependents may receive death benefits, including financial support for funeral expenses and ongoing compensation.
5. Disfigurement benefits – In some cases, employees who suffer permanent disfigurement or scarring as a result of a work-related injury may be entitled to additional compensation.
6. Rehabilitation benefits – this offers various forms of support to help employees recover and return to work. It includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and psychological counseling.

Workers That Get Injured at Work

It doesn’t matter what industry you are in for your work, all workers are at risk of being injured while at work or suffering occupational illnesses. Workers that are high risk of being injured at work include but are not limited to:

• Construction workers
• Warehouse workers
• Industrial workers
• Manufacturing industry employees
• Medical professionals
• Public employees
• Stock or store employees

It doesn’t matter what industry you work in, if you are an employee and have suffered a work-related injury or illness, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Contact our law firm to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for free and have your case evaluated by a professional. We’ll explain your rights to you and help you determine the best approach to your case.

Types of Work Injuries

Workplace injuries can take various forms. Our law firm has represented clients who have suffered a wide range of injuries and illnesses related to their work. These injuries have resulted in a variety of economic and non-economic damages. We work with our clients to recover maximum benefits.

Some of the workplace injuries we’ve come across include:

1. Amputation injuries

These are catastrophic injuries as they have a permanent impact on the lives of the victims. Amputation includes loss of a limb or a digit such as a toe or finger. These accidents often result in the victim being unable to return to work in their previous capacity or having to look for another type of occupation.

2. Crush injuries

These are injuries that result from a great force or pressure being placed on a part of the body such as the arm, leg or hand. This may be the result of getting caught in between two heavy objects.

3. Brain injuries

These injuries occur when the brain tissue is damaged as a result of blunt force trauma to the head or the sudden back and forth jolting of the head or neck.

4. Head, back, neck and hip injuries

These are injuries that occur to the head, back, beck or hip. They can be the result of repetitive trauma, blunt force trauma or other forces acting on the body.

5. Invisible work injuries

These are injuries that may not be readily apparent, however, they may have a serious impact on the worker’s health or financial security. They may include broken bones, burns or cuts that aren’t readily visible.

6. Knee and shoulder injuries

These include arm injuries, torn ACL and knee injuries.

7. Repetitive stress injuries

These injuries affect the muscles, joints, tendons and other soft tissues. They occur as a result of repetitive movements.

8. Spinal injuries

These are catastrophic injuries that have a long term effect on their victims. They involve injuries to the spine and spinal cord that result in interference with motor function and may cause paralysis.

9. Forklift injuries

These are injuries that are caused by forklift accidents. They may include broken bones, crush injuries and more.

10. Ladder and scaffolding accidents

These injuries occur when a worker falls from a ladder or scaffolding. Injuries may include broken bones, back injuries, soft tissue injuries, head injuries and more.

11. Neck injuries

These are injuries that affect the neck. They include whiplash, repetitive strain injuries as well as traumatic injuries to the bones in the neck.

12. Scissor lift injuries

These include injuries caused by scissor lifts. They may include fractures, head injuries, nerve damage, back injuries and more.

No matter what industry you work in or what injury you’ve suffered, if your injury is work related, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Contact us to consult with our experienced attorneys and find out.

Workers Compensation Law – Omaha NE