- July 2, 2021
Every injury that happens at work is important and should be treated accordingly, including a foot injury. But, when someone injures their foot at work, things may get complicated. Thousands of people across the USA suffer foot injuries; this leads to missing work, long recovery, medical treatments, and medicine. The average period of disability that occurs after such an injury may last around ten days.
Most of the workers will collect workers’ compensation but in some cases, they might never be able to return to their old jobs because the foot injury may lead to a permanent disability. If you have injured your foot while working you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. It’s best to seek an Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible, even if you’re sure that you will get your workers’ compensation benefits.
When to Seek a Workers’ Comp Settlement for Foot Injury?
There are three requirements to get workers compensation benefits and you will be eligible if you fulfill the following conditions:
Your employer provides workers’ compensation – Most states demand the employers have workers’ compensation insurance. In case any worker gets injured or develops an occupational illness, they can get these benefits to pay for their medical treatments. If it turns out that your employer doesn’t have worker’s compensation coverage, seek a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.
You’re employed (not an independent contractor) – Employed people are entitled to workers’ compensation. If you are receiving a regular paycheck and a W-2 at the end of the year, you are an employee. In some cases, independent contractors too might be entitled to workers’ compensation but you must check that with your employer and see your contract.
Foot injury occurred at work 0 In most states the workers’ compensation will cover injuries that happened at work. If you injure your foot while doing your job (slipping and falling, a heavy object falling onto your foot) you have the right to seek these benefits. Foot injuries include bone fractures, hammertoe, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, toe injuries, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma.
Of course, there are exceptions to these rules. You might be an independent contractor and qualify for workers’ compensation benefits and you may collect them. Also, in some states workers may get disability benefits if they got a non-job-related injury. If you’re having such a case, it’s best to contact a workers’ compensation attorney who will review your case and help you understand better what you get to expect.
Benefits Can You Get in a Foot Injury Workers’ Compensation Settlement
There are four main types of workers’ compensation benefits including medical, disability benefits, rehabilitation and training benefits, and other benefits.
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits will cover the costs of your treatments. Your company might have an approved doctor that you have to see after the injury. They will give you a diagnose, determine your treatment, and will give you the final costs for the whole treatment.
Disability Benefits
When it comes to disability benefits, they cover a part of your lost wages. The maximum these benefits will cover is 60-66% of your weekly wage, so you will usually collect these benefits without having to pay tax for them.
Rehabilitation and Retraining
The rehabilitation and retraining benefits are going to cover you if you’re suffering a disabling foot injury and need rehabilitation for a new job since the injury will prevent you from returning to your old one. Your lawyer may be able to include this type of benefit in your workers’ compensation settlement in case the foot injury caused you a disability.
Other Benefits
Other benefits cover transportation costs for your medical care and other expenses related to the injury as well.
Do You Need an Attorney?
While most people have no problems getting the workers’ compensation benefits in some cases workers may face unexpected challenges. If you have injured your foot recently, and you are facing temporary or long-term disability, maybe you’d want to seek legal help from an attorney.
They will review your case and determine if you should seek rehabilitation and/or retraining benefits. Even if you are entitled to these settlements, the employer might refuse to pay for these damages.
In that case, your attorney will advise you what steps to take and will stand by your side until you receive the amount that will help you cover all your medical expenses, lost wages, and future expenses related to the accident. For more information contact our office and allow our team to step in and help you get your benefits.
