Getting injured or falling ill is stressful enough. Worrying about lost wages shouldn’t make it harder.
A sudden injury or illness can throw everything off course, especially when it stops you from working. You might need protections like workers’ compensation or short-term disability. They’re both designed to support you financially, but they work in very different ways. In this article, we’ll break down how each one works. We’ll discuss where they overlap too. And how to work out what you can claim.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ comp is a type of insurance provided by your employer. This covers employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. If your injury is work-related, you’re likely covered, as over 80% of workers comp claims are approved.. This system typically pays for medical bills, rehabilitation, or part of your lost wages while you recover.
Every state has its own workers’ compensation laws. In most cases, coverage starts from day one on the job. It’s meant to be straightforward, but it isn’t always so simple, especially when claims are denied or delayed. That’s when legal help can make a real difference.
Differences Between Short-Term Disability and Workers Comp
Both short-term disability (STD) and workers comp provide income when you can’t work, but they serve different purposes. Workers comp covers injuries or illnesses that happen at work, while STD steps in for non-work-related health issues.
Sometimes, if your injury is work-related, workers comp pays first. If it doesn’t fully cover your lost wages, STD might fill in the gap, but you can’t claim both for the same time period without some rules. It’s important to notify both insurers right away. And you need to understand how their benefits coordinate. This avoids delays or issues with your claim.
Can You Get Both Short Term Disability and Workers’ Comp?
You can’t receive short term disability and workers comp together. At least not for the same injury and at the same time. The key distinction is that workers’ comp covers job-related injuries or illnesses, while short term disability is for when you’re hurt or ill outside of work.
However, there are some exceptions. If your workers’ comp claim is delayed or denied, you might be able to apply for short term disability in the meantime. This can help cover lost wages while things get sorted. If your workers’ comp is later approved, though, you may need to repay any overlap.
That’s why understanding how short term disability and workers comp differ is so important. The rules can vary by state, and policies differ by employer. In difficult situations, speaking with a workers’ comp attorney can help you protect your rights.
When to Contact a Lawyer
It’s vital to contact a lawyer if your claim has been denied, delayed, or you’re being pressured to go back to work. Workers’ comp and short term disability cases get complicated, especially when both policies are involved. A lawyer can help you understand what benefits you’re entitled to.
They can ensure you’re not being underpaid, and will also deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. These experts can also help you avoid common mistakes, like accepting a settlement too early or missing important deadlines.
Protecting Your Rights
Don’t wait until things go wrong; keep good records, read your policy details, and if things get confusing or stressful, reach out to someone who knows the system. Protecting your rights starts with being informed and speaking up when things don’t feel right.
Endnote
Getting injured or falling ill is stressful enough. Worrying about lost wages shouldn’t make it harder. That’s why systems like short term disability and workers comp to help you stay afloat when life takes a turn.
