Question

1. You are a courier truck driver. A road collision, while on the job for a trucking company has left you with two broken legs and a concussion. You were not at fault or negligent in the accident. ·

What short-term and long-term assistance might you expect from Workers' Compensation?

What could your manager do to expedite your return to work?

What would you want your manager to do to help you while you were off?

Answer 1

Injuries and illnesses from jobs remain a serious matter. Beyond the physical impacts there are financial concerns too.

Wage losses, disability benefits and rehabilitation costs may have to be covered. In the case of a workplace fatality, dependents might be in need of income replacement.

Workers’ Compensation is a government program that deals directly with these matters. They operate at either the federal or provincial level, depending on the type of employer.

When employees suffer workplace accidents, or develop job-related illnesses, they can apply for assistance from a Workers' Compensation Board (WCB). Payments may be made for the following:

Temporary lost income

Permanent outlays following the final settlement of a claim

Medical expenses such as prescription drugs, and treatments (e.g. chiropractic or physiotherapy sessions)

Rehabilitation expenses like training, medical equipment, clothing, and care for day-to-day activities

Physical disability accommodation and retraining

In addition, if a worker passes away due to a work injury or disease, their dependants may receive fatality benefits.

Workers' Compensation programs vary from state to state. Going in to all of the particulars of each state’s requirements and benefits is beyond our scope. If you have been hurt on the job and believe you may qualify for Workman’s compensation, you should consult your state authorities or a lawyer who is familiar with the Workers' Compensation laws in your state.