Workers’ compensation is a nice program that allows you to receive compensation and benefits for a work injury without having to go through the court system. You can usually start getting benefits fairly quickly.
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation explains there are five general types of benefits you can get through the system.
Death benefits
If you should die as a result of a work accident, then your family can get death benefits. These payments will often offer funds for funeral costs and other final costs. Your dependents may also receive longer-term payments.
Temporary and permanent disability benefits
Temporary disability benefits are the payments you receive for lost wages when you cannot work during your recovery period. Permanent disability benefits are what you will get if you can never completely recover or return to work because you will never recover from the injuries fully.
Medical benefits
Medical benefits payout from the beginning so that you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. They cover any and all medical costs that you have due to the injury.
Supplemental job displacement benefits
These benefits will pay for training or other assistance that helps you to get back to work. You may be able to use these benefits if you cannot return to the job you held prior to your accident or if you can no longer work for the same employer due to your injury. Under this benefit umbrella, you may also get a one-time payment to assist your return to work.
You must qualify for each type of benefit under the rules of the workers’ compensation program.