Most workplace injuries are temporary setbacks. Workers break a bone, strain a muscle or develop other injuries that require medical care. After treatment and possibly a brief leave of absence, they can return to work as usual.
Injured workers can apply for workers’ compensation benefits to cover their injury-related expenses. Workers’ compensation can provide medical benefits that pay for the employee’s treatment. They may also qualify for disability benefits if they need to move to light-duty work functions temporarily or take time away from their jobs to recover.
Sadly, some work-related medical challenges do not lead to full recoveries. Workers may have injuries that permanently reduce their physical capacity. They may develop repetitive strain disorders that may forever cause pain if they return to the same job functions.
What happens when injured workers receiving workers’ compensation benefits have lingering symptoms after undergoing treatment?
Treatment-related benefits may end
The medical benefits provided through workers’ compensation are relatively generous. Employees receive full coverage for necessary treatment. However, medical coverage for treatment may end once the worker no longer responds to the treatment.
The doctor overseeing the worker’s case may determine that they achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI). After they make that determination and report it to the relevant parties, the benefits that the worker receives may change.
Their eligibility for medical coverage does not end. However, treatment costs may no longer be eligible for coverage. Instead, the worker might only receive benefits for symptom management. If the continued symptoms might impact the workers’ ability to keep the same job, they may be eligible for permanent disability benefits.
Permanent partial disability benefits help offset the reduction in income associated with a lower-paid job. Permanent total disability benefits can help replace the lost wages of those who can never return to work because of their medical challenges. In some cases, employees concerned about their prognosis may disagree with the doctor’s determination. Other times, they may simply need help ensuring they receive appropriate benefits.
Understanding the various changes that can impact workers’ compensation claims can help employees minimize their financial losses. Those who are unlikely to make a full recovery after a workplace injury often face a more challenging claims process than those with minimal, easy-to-treat injuries. Therefore, they may be particularly in need of legal guidance.
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