A workplace injury can change the trajectory of your life. It can lead to financial loss, painful injuries and leave you unable to work for a period of time. It can be difficult to figure out how to put the pieces back together and move forward from this type of incident. You may know that you could be eligible for benefits through a workers’ compensation claim, but you may be unsure of how this process works.
The intent of workers’ compensation benefits is to provide South Dakota workers with the support they need after a work-related accident or the onset of a work-related illness. Even with a valid claim, it is not always easy to get the benefits you need. It is in your interests to know your rights and understand what to do so you can get the financial support you require during your recovery.
What does this insurance cover?
Workers’ compensation benefits cover injuries that arise out of workplace accidents or incidents that take place while doing a work-related activity. Additionally, these benefits may also be available to those who become ill due to exposure at work. If a person has a preexisting medical condition that gets worse as a result of his or her job, that individual could also be eligible for benefits.
The specific type of benefits you may be able to get through your workers’ compensation claim depends largely on the nature of your injuries and what you need to get better. Generally, workers’ compensation benefits cover the following aspects:
- Expenses you accumulated as a result of your injuries or illness
- Replacement of a portion of your lost wages
- Costs you incur as a result of retraining needed to get back to work
- Recompense for any injuries you have that may be permanent
You have the right to seek to maximize your claim and fight for the full amount you need to get better, take care of your bills and eventually return to work. This is why it can be helpful to work with an experienced attorney at every step of this process.
After your accident
Do you know where to start after your work accident? Do you know what to do if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim? Start with an assessment of your case with an experienced attorney to learn more about your legal options and how to move forward from this point.