A work accident can leave you with losses and complications that go far beyond your physical injuries. In addition to the pain you are experiencing as a result of your work injuries, you could also be facing financial struggles due to lost wages and medical bills. It is critical to seek and receive help through your Alaska employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, a step that may provide you with financial support during your recovery.
Before you file a claim, it may be in your interests to know exactly what benefits could be available to you through a workers’ comp claim. You have the right to pursue what you need for a reasonably full and fair recovery after a work accident. The intent of this insurance coverage is to provide you with different types of support as you move forward and eventually return to work.
Expectations for your claim
The specific benefits available to you through your workers’ compensation claim depends on various factors unique to your situation, including the nature of your injuries and their potential long-term impact. In many cases, workers’ compensation benefits may cover:
- Medical care you needed for your injury or occupational illness
- Costs for retraining you may need to find new employment or do your job with new accommodations
- Replacement of a portion of the income you lost while you were recovering
- Appropriate compensation for permanent injuries you suffered
If you need assistance returning to work, you could also be eligible for rehabilitation benefits. This may also cover employment needs you now have as a result of accident-related limitations, such as finding a new job, seeking appropriate accommodations, securing additional education, resumé preparation and interview training.
Your future after an accident
It can be both frustrating and overwhelming to navigate the workers’ compensation claims process. If you are preparing to file a claim, you may benefit from first seeking an understanding of your rights as an injured worker and what assistance could be available to you through this type of insurance coverage.
Workers’ comp insurance providers are most concerned with their own bottom lines, and it may be necessary to fight for the full amount you deserve or to appeal a denied claim. Injured workers may take steps to maximize the benefits they receive through their workers’ comp claim and secure what they need to pick up the pieces and move forward after a work accident.
