Enlisting the services of a qualified worker's compensation law firm is the right thing to do when filing a worker's compensation claim. Worker's compensation cover protects employers and employees against losses that occur at work due to injuries and other bodily harm. Therefore, when an employee is injured or becomes ill because of work, they should file for a worker's compensation claim. An insurance company then processes these claims, following the set state rules, and pays if the claimant meets the eligibility criteria. As such, insurance companies classify worker compensation cases for easier processing.
Common Classifications of Worker Compensation Cases
Worker compensation cases are classified into three main categories – Death, Medical, and Disability. This is further broken down into seven categories with four subclasses under the disability category. Even so, this classification differs from state to state. For instance, worker's compensation claims in California are classified into five classes: temporary disability, medical care, permanent disability, death benefits, and supplemental work displacement. Therefore, working with a specialized worker's compensation attorney is prudent when filing a claim.
Temporary Disability
Temporary disability is often categorized into partial and total disability. Temporary partial disability is more common. In this case, you are partly impaired for a short period, during which you cannot perform your regular tasks. As a result, your employer can assign you lighter duties or offer you time off.
During this period, your wages and treatment costs will be settled through the worker's compensation claim if you file it successfully through an experienced work injury attorney or a worker's compensation law firm in your locality.
Temporary total disability is when an employee injures himself severely and cannot deliver on his responsibilities. When diagnosed, the results should show potential for a full recovery. However, the employee won't work during the recovery period.
As an employee, you need to file for worker's compensation through an injury law firm when you experience a temporary total disability. If you are successful, your insurance provider will meet the cost of rehabilitation, treatment, and specialists such as a chiropractor.
Medical Care
This claim is easy to file and process. It is filed when an employee sustains easy-to-treat minor injuries at work. In most cases, the employee may go back to work the same day or the following day based on the severity of the injury and the worker's job type. If you work in San Francisco, you should consider enlisting the services of a qualified San Francisco work injury law firm to help you file your medical care worker's compensation claim.
Permanent Disability
You can file a worker's compensation case for permanent partial disability or permanent total disability. The former concerns people who sustain injuries that limit them from working on their regular life tasks, while the latter is for people who are determined unsuitable for their regular duties due to work injuries. Each of these permanent disability claims attracts a unique compensation package in San Francisco. Consult a renowned San Francisco worker's compensation attorney before filing for this claim.
Death Benefits
Death benefits are often awarded to the dependents of a worker who succumbs to injuries sustained at work. The amount payable in this case is based on the deceased workers' wages. In some cases, the death benefit covers the funeral expenses. Unlike medical care claims, filing and processing death benefits can take longer. If you reside in Oakland, you will need the services of an Oakland worker's compensation attorney or a seasoned Oakland work injury attorney to help you with your claim.
Worker compensation cases can be lengthy and cumbersome. Therefore, you need to work with a worker's comp lawyer who understands how to file a successful claim. The Law Offices of Alex Bonilla, P.C., a San Jose worker's compensation attorney, will help you prepare and file a successful claim. Contact the firm at (415) 761-3171 or email alex@bonilla-law.com to book an appointment. You can also visit their offices at 1390 MARKET ST STE 200 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94102-5404.
