Workers’ compensation insurance exists to provide injured workers with financial support and assistance as they recover from a job-related illness or injury. However, it is important to understand the exact type of benefits for which you could be eligible as this may help you maximize your claim and ensure that you will get the support you deserve.
The benefits you may be able to seek through your workers’ compensation claim depend largely on the type of injuries you have and what you need for recovery. After a careful assessment of your accident and your needs, you will have a better understanding of what you require for recovery. Some of the specific benefits that may be available to you include:
One thing to keep in mind as you pursue workers’ compensation benefits is that, by accepting these benefits, you are waiving your right to sue your employer for the work accident that left you injured. However, if a third party played a role in the accident, it may be an option to also pursue compensation through that avenue. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, and they may offer you a settlement that is less than the value of your potential claim.
You do not have to navigate the aftermath of your work accident alone. An assessment of your case can help you understand the specific types of benefits for which you could be eligible through your Minnesota workers’ compensation claim. You have the right to pursue the recovery you need and to maximize the benefits available to you through your claim.
]]>Some chemicals place you at risk for injuries due to topical exposure, meaning that a hazardous material comes in contact with your clothing or skin. Depending on the type of work you do, you may also be at risk for respiratory hazards, especially if there is asbestos in your workplace. Inhaling microscopic fibers or toxins may cause serious, long-term (perhaps, even fatal) illness, such as certain incurable malignancies.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) governs safety issues in the workplace. In the construction industry, as well as shipyards and other workplaces, OSHA often sets Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs). Many safety advocates have made it known that a great number of PELs are outdated and that there are many toxins and chemicals or hazards for which no PELs exist. In certain environments, OSHA might require respiratory equipment to reduce the risk of toxic exposure in the workplace.
You can expect your Minnesota employer to adhere to all accepted safety standards, as well as state and federal regulations whose purpose is to reduce hazards on the job. If you suffer an occupational disease, such as asbestosis, cancer, repetitive strain injuries or other adverse health condition, you will want to learn as much as you can about the workers’ compensation program, as well as third party (personal injury) claims.
It is imperative to receive extensive medical care and to utilize all available resources to assist you during recovery. You might have to take time off work, especially if you wind up in the hospital. In some cases, you might not be able to return to work at all, which can spur a whole host of other problems, such as undue financial strain.
While recuperating at home, a visiting nurse might play a key role in your post-accident care. You might also need physical therapy. Such care is expensive and you shouldn’t have to bear the full burden if you were not fully responsible for your injuries that occurred because of chemical or toxic exposure in the workplace.
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