If you suffer an amputation on the job, it is absolutely essential that you seek out medical attention immediately. This is an emergency and is one that could be life-threatening depending on the circumstances.
With such a severe injury, there is a risk that you will not be able to go back to work for a while. Some people may not be able to go back to work ever again. In either case, it’s important for you or someone around you, like your family or your attorney, to inform your employer about the accident and to take steps to start a workers’ compensation claim.
How will workers’ compensation help after a serious injury?
After an injury, workers’ compensation can help in a few ways. To start with, it should cover the cost of your approved medical care. Emergency care is almost always covered except for under rare circumstances, such as if the wounds were intentionally self-inflicted.
You may need to talk to your employer about doctors who you’re able to see and the paperwork you need to fill out to seek coverage. If your employer will not give you the workers’ compensation information or does not have coverage, there may be other legal options that you can look into to start the claims process.
Once you do get workers’ compensation, there are several benefits that you could receive. These are listed on the 2022 Workers’ Compensation benefit schedule for next year or the 2021 schedule for this year. Those may include:
- Compensation for lost wages, which will cover a portion of the compensation you’re missing out on by not being able to return to work
- Medical care coverage, so that you can get the treatment you need to recover
- Vocational rehabilitation, which may help you find a new job if you cannot complete the job you did in the past as a result of your injuries
There may be other benefits that you can seek out as well, which is something to consider once you start your claim.
Your priority should be your recovery. It may take time for the workers’ compensation claim to be approved. If you receive a denial letter, then it’s important to take legal steps to appeal that decision.