When a worker is injured or has acquired an illness on the job in Kentucky, he or she is entitled to payments under workers’ compensation. This is an insurance that non-government employers are required to carry under the law. It also will provide compensation in the event of a worker’s death to the worker’s families. According to Ky.gov, these benefits are offered under the Commonwealth’s Workers’ Compensation program.
Benefits may be paid as follows: permanent total disability, permanent partial disability and temporary total disability. Permanent total disability covers workers who are injured to the extent that they will never be able to work again in any capacity. Permanent partial disability is offered to workers who experience a partial long-term disability that restricts their ability to do some jobs. Temporary total disability is when a worker has an injury that makes him or her unable to work but he or she is expected to recover fully with time.
If a worker cannot work for more than seven days, he or she is entitled to payments of 66 and two-thirds percent of his or her normal wages. A worker must miss more than 15 days to get the pay for the first seven days.
In addition, medical expenses related to the work-related injury or illness are also paid under workers’ compensation. Employees should not use their own health insurance to pay for any medical expenses. Bills are to be sent to and paid by the program only. In addition, workers cannot be charged any co-pays for such medical care. This is general information only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Death and burial benefits are also available. In the event an employee dies within four years from injuries or an illness related to a workers’ compensation claim, the employee’s family is entitled to receive compensation. How much is received depends upon the surviving family situation. For example, a worker who is survived only by a spouse with no minor children will receive 50 percent of the average weekly pay, but if there are minor children, the widow or widower is paid 40 to 45 percent and each child receives 15 percent. This is general information only and is not intended to provide legal advice.