Workers compensation payouts can vary depending on the nature of the injury and the jurisdiction in which you reside. However, as a general rule, most workers receive between 50 and 70 percent of their pre-injury earnings. The exact amount will depend on several factors including age, length of employment, medical expenses related to your work injury, etc. Additionally, keep in mind that these payout amounts are for general purposes only. Every case is different and requires careful evaluation by an experienced attorney before proceeding with a claim for benefits.
Is There an Average Workers Compensation Payout?
There is not a consistent and entirely predictable payout for workers compensation payments. This is because each case is different and these differences can have a significant effect on what your benefits qualify you for. However, the payouts are based on a schedule, which makes estimating what you could receive easier.
Workers compensation payouts typically range between 50 and 70 percent of your pre-injury salary. However, the average workers compensation payout can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including the jurisdiction of the claim, the seriousness of the injury, whether the worker is able to return to work after their injury, etc. For example, workers who have a lower degree of injury and are able to return to work after a short period of time will receive a lower workers compensation payout than those who have a more serious injury that requires long-term treatment and/or prevents them from working.
In addition, jurisdictions can affect workers compensation payouts. For example, some states have higher minimum average payouts than others. Since worker’s compensation is state-mandated, each state has a different schedule that it goes by.
How Long Does the Workers Compensation Process Take?
The workers compensation process is different in every state. However, as a general rule, there are four steps in the workers compensation process:
Report the Injury To Apply For Benefits
The injured worker applies for benefits by filing a claim for workers compensation with their employer or the state workers compensation board. In order to be eligible for workers compensation benefits, the worker must prove that his/her injury was work-related. This can be done through a workers compensation claim.
The Workers Compensation Board Investigates
The workers compensation board will conduct an investigation into the claim. This typically includes interviewing the injured worker, their employer, and/or witnesses to the accident. The workers compensation board will also review any documents relevant to the claim such as medical records, OSHA logs, etc.
The Board Issues a Ruling and you Can File an Appeal
Once the investigation is complete, the board will issue a determination regarding the claim and whether the injured worker is eligible for compensation. The injured worker or their attorney must appeal the determination if they do not agree with the findings of the investigation. Appeals are heard by administrative law judges who will make a final decision regarding the claim.
The Final Determination and Payout
After the appeal process is complete, the workers compensation board will issue a final determination regarding the claim. This is when the injured worker will receive their workers compensation payments.
Eligibility for Workers Compensation
Employees who sustain an occupational injury or disease while on the job are typically covered under workers compensation. Workers compensation is intended to provide benefits for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses following an injury. In order to qualify for workers compensation, the injured worker must meet certain criteria including having a valid employment contract, performing work for an employer, and sustaining a work-related injury or disease.
The injured worker’s injury must also be covered by workers compensation. There are certain occupations and situations in which workers are not eligible for workers compensation.
Injured Worker Compensation Payments
In general, workers compensation benefits for injured workers are calculated by taking the average earnings of a worker in their state and multiplying it by the percentage of impairment the worker has sustained.
For example, if a worker earns $25,000 per year and sustains a 50% impairment, they will receive $12,500 per year in workers compensation benefits. The amount of workers compensation payments will vary based on the state and the medical circumstances of the individual claim.
In addition, there are other factors that may impact the amount of workers compensation payments including the length of employment, age at the time of injury, medical expenses, etc.
Ongoing Benefits for Workers With Permanent Disabilities
In general, workers with permanent disabilities will receive ongoing benefits for the duration of their lives. These benefits are intended to replace the earnings that the worker would have earned if their injury had not occurred.
In order to qualify for these benefits, the worker’s disability must be considered permanent. This typically means that the worker must be unable to work for the rest of their life. In some cases, workers with permanent disabilities may also be eligible for death benefits if their injury results in death. Death benefits typically go to the worker’s surviving dependents.
Lost Income for Workers with Temporary Injuries
In general, workers with temporary injuries will only receive workers compensation payments related to the amount of time they are unable to work. While the amount of time will vary depending on the nature of the injury and the individual circumstances of the claim, most workers with temporary injuries are able to return to work within a few months. In addition, most workers with temporary injuries receive workers compensation payments covering their lost wages as well as medical expenses related to the injury.
Call to Get a Quote for Workers Compensation Insurance
Workers compensation is a state-mandated insurance that protects employees in the event of a work-related injury or sickness. Workers who are injured on the job are typically eligible for workers compensation. The amount of the payout depends on several factors including the jurisdiction of the claim and the medical circumstances of the injury.
Millers Insurance Group provides workers compensation insurance to companies in a variety of industries, including cannabis-related businesses. Please reach out to us or fill out our online form to get an insurance quote today for your company’s workers compensation coverage.
