Benefits for Injured Workers Under Workers Compensation

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may feel overwhelmed trying to recover physically while also worrying about finances. The good news is that benefits for injured workers under workers compensation are designed to provide essential medical care, wage replacement, and support to help you heal and return to work.

At OnderLaw, we help injured employees navigate complex workers compensation programs and secure the benefits they’re entitled to. Here’s what you need to know to protect your health, your income, and your future.

What Does Workers Compensation Cover?

When an injury or illness happens at work—whether it’s a single accident or the result of long-term exposure—workers compensation benefits help cover your expenses.

Standard benefits include:

• Medical treatment: Emergency room visits, surgeries, prescriptions, and physical therapy

• Disability benefits: Partial or total wage replacement depending on your ability to work

• Lost wages: Temporary payments while you recover

• Vocational rehab: Job retraining if you can’t return to your previous role

• Death benefits: Support for families of employees who suffer fatal injuries on the job

These benefits apply to injuries like broken bones, repetitive motion damage, hearing loss, and occupational diseases like chemical exposure or respiratory illness.

Most employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance, which pays for these services regardless of fault.

Learn more at USA.gov’s workers compensation guide​

Types of Disability Benefits for Injured Workers

One of the most important benefits for injured workers under workers compensation is wage replacement when you can’t work due to injury. The type of disability benefits you receive depends on how severe and long-lasting your injury is.

1. Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

• You’re completely unable to work for a limited time

• Usually pays two-thirds of your average weekly wages

• Ends when you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)

2. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

• You can return to work in a limited capacity

• Benefits make up the difference in earnings if you can’t earn your full wage

3. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

• You have lasting damage but can still work in some capacity

• Payments are based on the body part injured and level of impairment

• Set by state compensation schedules

4. Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

• You’re permanently unable to work in any capacity

• May qualify for lifetime wage replacement and medical care

For more, explore this summary of disability types​

How to Apply for Workers Compensation Benefits

Filing a claim can feel complicated, especially while recovering. Here’s a step-by-step process to help injured employees begin receiving the workers compensation benefits they deserve.

In some cases, workers face delays, reduced compensation, or unfair claim denials. In these situations, legal help can make a big difference.

Explore how to begin the claim process here.

Additional Support for Injured Workers

Return to Work Support

When you’re ready, workers compensation programs may provide return to work services like:

• Modified job duties

• Workplace accommodations

• Retraining for a new career

Supplemental Benefits

In some states, additional programs offer support like vocational rehabilitation, job placement, or temporary wage subsidies during transition.

Death Benefits

If a workplace injury results in death, survivors may qualify for death benefits, including funeral expenses and ongoing financial support. These vary by state and often depend on the number of dependents.

For more details, visit the Department of Labor workers comp page​

Why Legal Help Matters

If you’re navigating recovery and facing medical bills or income loss, you don’t have to manage your claim alone. Insurance companies may delay or deny valid claims. An experienced attorney can help you:

• Understand your legal rights

• Ensure your injuries are fully documented

• Fight for full compensation for disability benefits, medical treatment, and lost wages

At OnderLaw, we’ve helped countless injured employees secure the benefits for injured workers under workers compensation they’re entitled to—without added stress.

Final Thoughts

From covering emergency medical care to replacing lost income and supporting long-term recovery, workers compensation benefits are vital for employees hurt on the job. If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, don’t leave your health or financial future to chance.

Reach out to OnderLaw for help understanding your options and fighting for the full benefits you deserve.