Common Types of Benefits Available

Table Of Contents

What Are the Different Medical Benefits Available?

The different medical benefits available cover the costs of necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries or illnesses. Medical benefits include doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and rehabilitation services. The goal of medical benefits is to help an injured worker recover from a work-related condition.
Medical benefits also cover the costs of diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRI scans. Medical benefits include surgical procedures when a surgeon deems surgery necessary. The workers’ compensation system directly pays medical providers for these services. An injured worker does not pay out-of-pocket for approved medical care.

Which Medical Treatments Do Workers' Compensation Benefits Cover?

Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical treatments directly related to the work injury or illness. Workers’ compensation benefits cover emergency room visits immediately following an accident. Workers’ compensation benefits cover follow-up appointments with specialists, such as orthopaedists or neurologists. The workers’ compensation insurer must approve specific treatments.
Workers’ compensation benefits cover physical therapy and occupational therapy to restore function and mobility. Workers’ compensation benefits cover assistive devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs, when a doctor prescribes these devices. The workers’ compensation system aims to provide comprehensive care for an injured worker's recovery. The injured worker receives all necessary medical attention without financial burden.

What Are the Different Wage Replacement Benefits Available?

The different wage replacement benefits available provide financial support for an injured worker who cannot work due to a work-related injury or illness. Wage replacement benefits compensate for lost income during the recovery period. The amount of wage replacement benefits depends on the injured worker's average weekly wage before the injury.
Wage replacement benefits typically do not equal an injured worker's full pre-injury wage. The benefit rate is usually a percentage of the average weekly wage. Wage replacement benefits make sure an injured worker has income to cover living expenses during the period of disability. The payments help an injured worker maintain financial stability.

How Do Temporary Disability Benefits Work?

Temporary disability benefits work by providing income to an injured worker who is temporarily unable to perform their job duties. Temporary disability benefits begin after a short waiting period following the injury. A doctor must certify the injured worker's temporary disability for these benefits to commence.
Temporary disability benefits continue as long as the injured worker remains temporarily disabled. The benefits stop when the injured worker returns to work or reaches maximum medical improvement. The workers’ compensation system calculates temporary disability benefits based on a statutory formula. The payments are regular, usually bi-weekly.

What Are the Different Permanent Disability Benefits Available?

The different permanent disability benefits available provide compensation for an injured worker who suffers a lasting impairment from a work-related injury or illness. Permanent disability benefits address the long-term impact on an injured worker's earning capacity. Permanent disability benefits are either partial or total, depending on the severity of the impairment.
Permanent partial disability benefits compensate for a permanent impairment that does not completely prevent an injured worker from working. Permanent total disability benefits provide ongoing income when an injured worker cannot return to any gainful employment. A doctor assesses the degree of permanent impairment. The workers’ compensation board determines the final benefit amount.

How Do Permanent Partial Disability Benefits Compensate Injured Workers?

Permanent partial disability benefits compensate injured workers for a permanent loss of use of a body part or a permanent reduction in earning capacity. A doctor assigns an impairment rating to the injured worker's condition. The impairment rating reflects the extent of the permanent damage.
Permanent partial disability benefits are often paid as a scheduled award for specific body parts, such as an arm or a leg. The workers’ compensation system has a predetermined number of weeks of benefits for each scheduled loss. For non-scheduled losses, benefits compensate for the injured worker's reduced earning ability. These benefits acknowledge the lasting impact of the injury.

FAQS

What are death benefits for workers' compensation?

Death benefits for workers' compensation are payments to dependants of workers who die from work-related injuries or illnesses. Death benefits cover funeral expenses. Death benefits also provide weekly payments to surviving spouses. Death benefits provide weekly payments to dependent children.

How are vocational rehabilitation benefits accessed?

Vocational rehabilitation benefits are accessed when a work-related injury prevents an injured worker from returning to their previous job. These benefits provide services like job placement assistance, vocational counselling, and retraining for a new career. A rehabilitation specialist assesses the injured worker's needs.

What is a lump sum settlement in workers' compensation?

A lump sum settlement in workers' compensation is a one-time payment that resolves an injured worker's claim for all future benefits. An injured worker receives a single payment instead of ongoing weekly benefits. The injured worker gives up rights to further compensation.

When do light duty benefits apply?

Light duty benefits apply when a doctor clears an injured worker to return to work with restrictions. The employer provides modified tasks that accommodate the injured worker's limitations. The injured worker receives wages for the work performed. Light duty promotes a gradual return to full employment.

Which benefits cover mileage reimbursement?

Mileage reimbursement benefits cover the cost of travel to and from authorised medical appointments. An injured worker keeps records of mileage driven for medical care. The workers' compensation insurer reimburses the injured worker for these travel expenses. This benefit helps reduce out-of-pocket costs.

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