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According to Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board statistics, 44,600 benefits claims were approved for workers missing time on the job due to injuries in 2017. Another 111,411 claims were approved for individuals requiring medical treatment but didn’t miss work due to their injuries. If you sustain injuries on the job, it’s important to understand your rights if you need medical care for an illness or injury and are unable to continue working while you’re recovering.
Benefits for Individuals who sustain Injuries on the Job
Workers’ compensation benefit claims are handled by the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board whenever you suffer a work-related illness or injury. Since it is a no-fault system, benefits are readily available regardless of whether anyone is at fault for your accident or illness. Whenever you become ill or get injured due to an accident or condition in the workplace, you may be entitled to the following benefits:
• reimbursement for earnings lost due to treatment of and recovery from your illness or injury
• reimbursement for healthcare and medical treatment that is associated with your illness or injury, including occupational and physical therapy
• reimbursement for prescribed medication costs related to your illness or injury
• reimbursement for specialized clothing, equipment, or shoes required because of your illness or injury
• reimbursement for transportation costs incurred when traveling to and from physician’s appointments or visits with healthcare providers
Furthermore, as per injury lawyer in Stouffville additional benefits are available to you if you are permanently disabled by your illness or injury. For instance, you may be entitled to non-economic loss benefits if you’ve suffered a permanent physical or psychological loss of function due to a disease or injury that is work-related. In the event of your death, your spouse or dependents may be eligible for these benefits. However, the loss of the family member is something no family wants to deal with and that is why it is important to consider all safety measures at work.
Generally speaking, you cannot sue your employer but, this also applies to co-workers as well. Although third parties can be sued for causing your illness or injury, you will have to forego your Workplace Safety and Insurance Board benefits if you file suit against a third party for negligence. Before making your decision, you should discuss matters with an experienced personal injury lawyer first. They have dealt with similar cases in the past and understand the nuances of the whole procedure. With years of legal practice, not only will they help you at every step but ensure that you get the damages you are entitled to.