There are several factors that affect the benefits that injured workers receive. While some factors are influenced by the parties involved, there are also several other factors that can affect the injured workers’ benefits. Here are some of those factors that will affect workers’ compensation rewards:
State Legislature
The scope of benefits for work injuries is determined by that state’s local legislature. The legislative body has the power to raise or lower the amount that injured workers are paid. It can also include or exclude certain losses from coverage. (For example – there is no compensation for pain and suffering). The Senate and House can make a world of a difference in the lives of those affected by injuries. If you feel that your state’s legislature is not doing enough to address the needs of those under workers’ compensation, make sure that you write your local legislator and let them know how you feel.
Average PayScale
According to Colorado law, the amount that those eligible for workers’ compensation payments are given is in accordance with the average salary of Colorado. What that means is that external factors such as a weak economy for example can make a tremendous difference in the amount that injured workers are entitled to receive.
Insurance Company
The insurance company that provides your workers’ compensation policy has a great impact on the kinds of workers’ compensation benefits that an eligible recipient will receive. Because each insurance company is different and employs different adjusters – it is impossible to say how fair (or unfair) an insurance company will handle your claim. That said injured workers have options if the insurance company either delays, or refuses to cover an insurance claim. If you are entitled to a workers’ compensation insurance claim and have not received it call us immediately.
Your Employer
How your employer handles your claim can have a huge impact. If your employer treats you with dignity and offers modified work that respects your restrictions you may have no wage loss. Your employer should allow you the flexibility to schedule appointments at the doctor’s and therapist’s convenience so that you get the treatment you need when you need it. Unfortunately some employers treat injured workers with hostility and in those situations it is even more important that you have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney helping you.
Workers’ Compensation can be difficult, confusing, and very complex. Kaplan Morrell has helped thousands of injured workers since 1997 get the benefits they deserve. Contact us here or call us at 303-780-7329 for your FREE CONSULTATION.