The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board is giving those who responded and helped during the recovery and evacuation of victims during the September 11, 2001 attack only one more month to register for benefits.
According to a report from the New York Post, the Board created the “Tell Us You Were There” campaign to help secure future benefits for those who have either volunteered or were designated to work at Ground Zero and other sites related to the 9-11 events. Workers’ compensation benefits include medical assistance not only for physical but even for mental conditions that were a result of their involvement.
The September 11 attacks involved several planes crashing into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the last one that ended up on the fields of Pennsylvania. Hundreds of volunteers and other emergency response teams were deployed and hundreds have also died on duty. Today, the State of New York is offering those who have helped during the rescue operations a chance to obtain benefits especially if they developed respiratory or psychological conditions due to their service during the attacks.
Workers’ Compensation Available for Every Worker
Similarly, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured or have developed medical conditions because of your work. These benefits are outlined under the Workers’ Compensation Act of Colorado which aims to “assure the quick and efficient delivery of disability and medical benefits to injured workers.”
Put in mind, however, that the act stipulates that “that the workers’ compensation system in Colorado is based on a mutual renunciation of common law rights and defenses by employers and employees alike.”
So, what types of benefits are you entitled to as an employee as guaranteed under the Workers’ Compensation Act of Colorado?
There are two types of benefits that you can acquire if you are either injured at work or have developed a certain disease or medical condition as a consequence of the nature of your work. The first includes the major benefits that include the following:
Medical Treatment – This includes hospitalization, physician’s fees, therapies, medication, and other materials that are needed for your recoveries such as glasses and hearing aids.
Lost Wages – If you were unable to work due to your injury or medical condition, then your employer is assigned by law to pay for your lost wages.
Permanent Disability Benefits – These are the benefits that you can receive if you become unable to find any type of employment due to the disability or when your physician has deemed you to have permanent impairment.
Aside from these benefits, you also get minor benefits which include mileage when you go to medical appointments, interest for late payment of benefits, penalties to the employer or insurance companies who fail to perform their duty, as well as disfigurement benefits.
If you incur an accident or develop a disease that may be related to your work, don’t hesitate to contact our Northern Colorado Workers’ Compensation Lawyers. We will assist you in the whole process of acquiring these benefits that the law has guaranteed you. Call us at 303.780.7329 for a FREE APPOINTMENT.