5 Financial Rules to Remember with Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
Thursday, October 15, 2015, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
When you suffer an injury at work, you probably free stressed and overwhelmed in the aftermath. You have added medical bills on top of your other expenses.
You also have to take a break from work, which means you don’t have revenue coming in to help you pay those bills.
You can only hope that your workers’ compensation benefits will cover your expenditures.
However, before you continue with your usual budget or make your usual financial decisions, have a look at the rules listed below.
These rules will help you stay financially afloat while you heal and get your life back in order.
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Get Further Compensation If Necessary
If you feel that your workers’ compensation benefits won’t adequately cover your expenses, then consult with a personal injury lawyer like the ones from Fannin Law about your case.
Additionally, if your employer’s rampant reckless or negligent behavior led to your injury, you may be entitled to increased compensation.
Talk to a lawyer about your situation and see if you have valid grounds to sue.
The added compensation will give you extra closure and extra revenue so you don’t have to worry about expenses during your recovery.
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Visit Healthcare Providers that Your Benefits Approve
If you don’t want to cover your medical expenses out of pocket, you have to go to a doctor your employer approves.
You’ll save money this way. You’ll also save yourself from a lot of frustration because your employer-approved doctor likely specializes in work-related injuries.
He or she will know exactly what information to give to your lawyer to support your case.
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Do Not Use Your Personal Medical Insurance
Workers’ compensation is completely separate from your personal medical insurance plan.
You should not have to use your own insurance to cover the injuries your employer or workplace caused.
Additionally, you will have to pay a deductible with many personal medical insurance policies, and you might not have enough money to cover that deductible. Stick with the workers’ compensation coverage.
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Avoid Unnecessary Expenses
Workers’ compensation only covers around 66.5% percentage of your average weekly wage, or up to a little over $700 per week.
So even if you qualify for full workers’ compensation benefits, you might not make enough to cover a tight budget.
So do what you can to cut everything unnecessary out of your monthly expenses, at least until you can get back to work.
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Look into Alternative Jobs If You Have a Permanent Disability
Some injuries can physically or mentally keep you from doing the same job that you did before.
If you find yourself in these difficult circumstances, look into alternative sources of income.
You’ll need another way to make money if you have a tight budget. Look into Social Security or other sources if your injury keeps you from working entirely.
A workplace injury does not have to give you financial trouble. Keep these rules in mind so you can mitigate money problems while you heal.
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Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter: @RachelleWilber
