Accidents at work are going to happen. Workers compensation insurance is designed to protect your income in the event you are hurt at work and not able to perform your job. Even when you are permanently disabled from the accident, workers compensation will pay you wages until you reach retirement age. If you were performing your duties as expected and there was no person, product or entity negligent that caused your injuries, you won't be compensated for pain and suffering. When you are seriously injured, your first goal is to get the initial compensation you deserve. Over time, you will learn whether you are permanently disabled or not and whether there is any personal injury lawsuit to file. 

Workers Compensation Protects Your Income

Workers compensation insurance is mandatory for your employer to carry. This means that when you are hurt, your employers insurance company will become responsible for paying your medical bills and paying your wages while you are out recuperating. If you are initially turned down for benefits, you may need to seek the services of a workers compensation attorney. When you can establish your injuries occurred at work and you are currently unable to perform your duties, you will eventually be granted workers compensation through the help of an attorney

When Your Injuries are Permanent

When your injuries are permanent, this does not guarantee that you have a personal injury lawsuit to file. Workers compensation benefits will do what they are designed to do, protect your income. You will be paid your wages until such time you are able to begin collecting retirement benefits. While you may suffer greatly because of your injuries, you can't sue for injuries at work that occurred as a natural part of your job. If someone else's negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to seek damages.

Severe Injuries Where Liability is Questionable

If you are seriously injured at work, it won't hurt to talk with a personal injury lawyer about the accident. For example, if you were driving a piece of equipment that malfunctioned and this caused your injury, the manufacturer of the equipment may be liable for your injuries. If nothing malfunctioned and you were simply in an accident where no one was at fault, you can't seek damages against your employer.

If you have had an accident at work and you will never be able to return to your duties, it's important to work with a workers compensation attorney to see if additional compensation is available to you because of liability.