According to statistics from OSHA, incidence of workplace injury in the United States continues to be incredibly high. Minor injuries are often unavoidable, but more serious injuries are unacceptably common. Consider, recent statistics show that an average of 90 workers are killed on the job every week.

Admittedly, workplace deaths are far less common than accidents resulting in permanent injuries. Regardless of the injury type, the fact remains that healthcare costs in the United States are growing at much faster rates than worker salaries. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, healthcare costs are increasing twice as fast as median American salaries. Over the last 10 years, medical inflation has been over 48%.

With 76% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, according to ABC News, how can any of us expect to pay for our medical care after getting hurt on the job? Luckily, that is why workers compensation exists. If you have been hurt at work, then you need to know the ins-and-outs of the system to ensure you get what you are owed.

1. Disability is Not Always Enough

%3Cbr%3E

If you get hurt at work, you may be placed on disability while you heal. Disability payments are rarely in the full amount of regular paychecks. Disability payments have caps that may not reflect the total cost of providing care for injured workers in any field. If you have been injured on the job and disability is not enough, you need to push for full workers compensation benefits that workers comp lawyers may be able to help you to secure.

2. Workers Compensation Can Act as Life Insurance

%3Cbr%3E

The unfortunate fact of the matter is that workplace injuries often result in lifelong problems or, in extreme circumstances, death. American employees should be made aware that workers compensation can, in certain instances, act as a life insurance policy. If a fatal event does occur, this helps to ensure families will be provided for.

3. Paid Claims Are Not Necessarily the End

%3Cbr%3E

If you are successful in filing a workers compensation claim, you need to be aware that a paid claim is not the end of the issue. Employers should keep a close eye on you after you have received your payment in order to closely monitor your progress. If your workplace injury has permanent or worsening symptoms, then you are likely to be entitled to more benefit payments. If this does occur and you are denied what is rightfully yours, consider workers comp lawyers who know how to get workers, like you, their due.

The fact is that business owners, CFOs, and the like are always on the lookout to protect themselves financially. For example, many of them monitor just how many prescriptions are given to their employees, particularly when they are narcotics, in order to better regulate their workers comp claims. However, when it comes down to it, American employees need to get whatever help they require after being injured during service to their employer, regardless of the costs. Keep these facts in mind. If you are not getting the help you deserve, turn to workers comp lawyers who may be able to help.