In the aftermath of an injury, compensation may not be first and foremost on your mind. But as the days and weeks continue on, lost wages can seriously impact your finances. Before you find yourself in a bind, you should know your legal options.
Injured on the Job: Worker’s Compensation
If your injury occurs at work, you are entitled to worker’s compensation. Most states require employers to obtain worker’s compensation insurance. This insurance covers employees who are injured on the job, regardless of whose fault the injury is. When injured on the job, you should inform your employer of the injury immediately and seek medical attention. Even if the injury initially seems minor, medical care is an important component of recovery. In addition to medical coverage, worker’s compensation provides wage replacement benefits that can make up a portion of the employee’s salary for the duration of their recovery.
Personal Injury: Seeking Compensation
If you are injured elsewhere, such as in an auto accident or a slip and fall accident, your injuries may be severe enough to impact your ability to work. Most personal injury cases settle out of court and an experienced personal injury lawyer is instrumental in protecting your right to compensation.
Personal injury cases involve a demand for compensation that includes economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include financial losses that arise as a result of the injury. Lost wages compose a significant portion of economic damages.
Non-economic damages, sometimes called “pain and suffering,” can be more difficult to quantify. Depending on the extent of the injury as well as its impact on your future life, non-economic damage demands can vary widely from case to case. A knowledgeable attorney can work with you to understand your rights, value your case, and maximize your compensation under the existing law.
Have You Been Injured?
If you have been injured, consulting with an attorney can help you understand your rights to compensation and protect your financial future. Contact Ginnis and Krathen, PA to discuss your case today. We are experienced personal injury attorneys who can help you through every stage of your case.