Worker’s Compensation insurance covers anyone who is hurt on the job while performing job duties. Every day, workers all over the nation file worker’s compensation claim to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and overall financial struggles during recovery.
One thing that many workers do not understand is that worker’s compensation is not only meant to protect the employee but the employer as well. For this reason, worker’s compensation will never pay an injured worker pain and suffering damages.
If you are familiar with personal injury law, you may have heard the term “pain and suffering” before. Legally, that term refers to any physical or mental anguish the victim of an accident suffers.
For example, let’s say that a man loses his leg in a car accident. For years to come, he struggles to find a comfortable prosthetic and is often in pain. This man would likely be entitled to economic damages based on his physical pain and suffering.
For another example, let’s consider mental pain and suffering. Let’s say that a woman’s hand is destroyed in a dog bite accident. She is left with very significant scarring. The sight of her injured hand is a constant reminder of the traumatic experience she suffered. She develops Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and eventually, depression. This victim would be entitled to damages for mental pain and suffering.
In contrast, if either of the accidents outlined above occurred while on the job, the victim would not be entitled to economic benefits for their anguish under worker’s compensation. They would have their medical bills and wages covered, but beyond that, they would not receive anything else. This is an essential aspect of worker’s compensation for employees to understand.
If you or a loved one are hurt on the job and are struggling with either a worker’s compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit, call Golden Circle Law for legal assistance in Santa Ana.
We can guide you through the legal process and support your recovery. We will not stop until you have received the maximum amount of damages that you are entitled to. So don’t wait, call today, and start your road to recovery. We will be with you.