Hurt workers can expect to be paid at least some of their pay when they get hurt at work. Your employer pays the premiums for the third-party insurance coverage, and it usually includes not only a partial disability wage but medical care, too. Things do not always run smoothly when it comes to disability wages, however. Read on to find out how to act when your disability wage cannot be depended upon.
Disability Wages Are Different
You cannot compare workers' compensation disability wages to your usual pay – it's different in almost every way. One of the biggest differences, and one you'll notice right away, is the amount. You won't be able to get as much with disability wages as with your usual pay. While the amount can vary from state to state, you should expect to be paid about 66.6% of your regular salary while you are staying home and recuperating. Take a look at some other major differences in disability wages and your normal pay:
- Payments are paid weekly, in most cases, regardless of your previous pay frequency.
- Payments have no deductions removed from them. That means FICA, taxes, health care premiums, retirement deductions, etc are not deducted.
- While some workers' comp claimants can expect automatic deposit, more will receive their disability wage in the form of a check.
- Your disability wages are not income and do not have to be reported on your income tax return.
- Your disability wages will continue until you are ordered to return to work by your doctor or the workers' comp carrier.
Disability Payment Problems
If you experience any of the following problems, you will want to seek the help of a worker's compensation lawyer at once. If you have been hurt at work and are receiving disability wages, it will likely be a struggle to maintain your previous lifestyle on a partial wage. The longer you are on disability pay, however, the more likely it is that you may be permanently disabled. At some point, you may be asked to undergo a special medical exam by a workers' comp doctor to determine when you can return to work. However, you may disagree with the results of the exam if you are asked to return to work but are still not able to do so. In addition to this, take look at some common disability wage problems:
- Your weekly wage check fails to show up.
- Your weekly wages are suddenly cut-off with no explanation.
- Your checks are frequently late.
You have rights, and the workers' comp insurer can be fined for the above issues. Speak to a workers' compensation lawyer if you have any problems with your case or your disability pay.
Sadly, many people are injured due to someone else's negligence. Maybe you were in a car accident that was the other driver's fault, and now you're dealing with relentless back pain. Or perhaps your neighbor's dog bit you, and you're considering suing them. Both of these scenarios fall under the legal umbrella of personal injury law.
Since proving someone else is responsible for your injuries can be challenging, the world of personal injury law is a vast one. Your own attorney is your best source of information directly related to your own case, but we created this website to give you a good basic overview of what your personal injury case may entail — and what you can expect when you meet with your attorney. Dig in and start reading our articles; you'll soon feel more informed as to what's to come.