Getting hurt at work creates stress and uncertainty about your future. Your ability to pay bills and support your family should not suffer because of a workplace injury. Each year, many Kentucky workers face similar challenges after sustaining an injury on the job.
The good news is that workers’ compensation benefits offer financial protection and medical care during your recovery.
What benefits can you receive through workers’ compensation?
Kentucky provides important protection for injured workers through its workers’ compensation program. Your benefits might include:
- Medical benefits: You receive coverage for doctor visits, hospital care, medications and therapy needed to treat your work injury
- Temporary total disability: You get two-thirds of your regular weekly wages during the time you cannot work while recovering
- Permanent partial disability: You receive ongoing payments if your injury leaves you with lasting limitations, even after treatment ends
- Permanent total disability: You qualify for long-term support when your injury makes it impossible to return to any type of work
- Death benefits: Your family receives financial support if you die from a work-related injury or illness
Your injury type and recovery needs will shape which benefits you can receive.
How to file a workers’ compensation claim
Taking the right steps after a workplace injury helps protect your right to benefits. Make sure to:
- Tell your supervisor about your injury right away
- Get medical care and follow treatment instructions
- Write down how your injury happened
- Submit your claim within two years
- Save copies of medical bills and paperwork
- Show up for all medical appointments
- Follow your workplace injury reporting rules
Taking these steps improves the chances of seeing approval for your benefits. It is important to remember that the state sets a two-year deadline from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. Missing this deadline might prevent you from receiving benefits, so quick action matters.
Workers’ compensation serves as a lifeline when workplace injuries leave you unable to earn a living. Speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and receive the full benefits you need to kickstart your recovery journey.