Workers’ compensation benefits can help injured workers as they face an uncertain future following a workplace accident or injury. A workplace injury or occupational illness can leave an injured worker unable to earn a living to support themselves and their family as they suffer from health problems acquired at work. For that reason, injured workers in Kentucky should be familiar with the different types of workers’ compensation benefits and how to secure those benefits when needed.
Medical benefits
Injured workers and workers suffering from an occupational illness can receive workers’ compensation benefits for the medical care and treatment they need related to their workplace injuries or occupational illness.
Lost wages benefits
Injured workers and workers suffering from an occupational illness in Kentucky can receive wage replacement benefits through workers’ compensation to help with their lost earnings. Wage replacement benefits are equal to 66 2/3 percent of the injured worker’s average weekly wages but it is important to keep in mind that they are also subject to state-mandated maximums or limits.
Other benefits
Other types of benefits may also be available to injured workers depending on the circumstances including permanent partial disability benefits or to workers suffering from coal workers’ pneumoconiosis who may be able to receive special benefits for income replacement and job retraining or occupational rehabilitation.
Workers’ compensation benefits are a category of benefits that can help injured workers with their expenses and losses related to a workplace accident, injury or illness. They can also help injured workers and their families with their daily needs which is why injured workers and their families should be familiar with the benefits available and how to obtain them.