When a worker has been injured on the job, the worker and their family members may not know what to do. Fortunately, there are different protections and resources available to help injured workers and their families following a workplace accident.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that allows injured workers to receive help with their medical expenses and lost wages while away from work recovering from a workplace injury or illness. This helps ensure they receive the medical care and treatment they need and that they and their family do not suffer more than they have to. Additional benefits, including benefits for family members, may also be available in some circumstances. In addition to workers’ compensation protections, other important protections may be available to injured workers as well.
Social Security disability insurance is another option injured workers who have become disabled because of the workplace injury or illness they have suffered can consider. Social Security disability (SSD) insurance is available to disabled individuals who were injured on the job, as well as those that may suffer disability because of another reason. To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, the disabled individual must suffer from a medical condition that prevents them from working and is expected to last for a year or longer. In addition, they must also meet necessary work history requirements.
It is important for injured workers to be familiar with their full range of options following a workplace accident and to also understand how to qualify for these resources and benefits and how they impact one another. Understanding how to navigate the process of applying for workers’ comp or SSD benefits can be essential for injured workers and their families.
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