Different areas of workers compensation are calculated differently when a claim is filed. Depending on your type of claim, you may receive compensation almost immediately or you will have to wait a certain period of time. 

Medical Payments 
Medical payments are one of the main areas of workers compensation. This provides compensation for medical bills an employee may face after a workplace injury, including emergency services, doctor’s visits, treatment and more. Medical payments are provided as the expenses arise. Once a workers compensation claim is approved, medical payments will be paid as the expenses occur. If an employee has to go through multiple doctor’s visits or operations, compensation may be paid as the costs arise. 

Disability Benefits 
Workers compensation also offers disability benefits in case a workplace injury results in a temporary or permanent disability. Disability benefits are calculated depending on the severity and type of the disability the employee suffers. In general, disabled employees may receive a percentage of their average weekly wage in disability benefits, such as 60% of their weekly wage. Medical bills related to the disability, such as physical therapy and additional surgeries, may be paid as costs occur. 

Wage Replacement 
Another large part of workers compensation is wage replacement. This type of compensation is provided if the employee is unable to work for a certain amount of time due to their work injury. For example, say an employee breaks their leg at work and is not longer able to work until they heal. Workers compensation can help cover their income while that employee is unable to work. Wage replacement is based on the employee’s typical earnings and is paid at the same time as their usual paycheck would be. For example, if an employee is normally paid biweekly, wage replacement will pay a portion of the employee’s expected income biweekly.  

Keep in mind that benefits are only paid once a workers compensation claim has been approved. Denied claims will not offer compensation for an injury. There are also exclusions to certain accidents that are covered under workers compensation. This insurance ill not pay if an employee is injured on the job while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor will it pay if the injuries occur while the employee is committing a crime. Injuries that occur due to a fight the employee started will also be excluded from workers compensation.