Every workplace has the potential to be dangerous. It does not matter if you work outside or inside or if you work with machinery or computers. There is always a risk that could get hurt when conducting your regular job duties. This is the reason why employers carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance helps to pay your medical expenses if you do get injured on the job. It also can pay for lost wages in some situations.
The Department of Labor & Industry explains that you could get payment for lost wages if you are unable to work due to total or partial disability. You must be unable to work to get such benefits. Do note that what you receive will not be equal to the wages you would earn if you were working.
The total amount of pay for lost wages benefits is only two-thirds of your normal, average pay. There is a maximum amount you can be paid each week, too. There is no cost of living increase should you remain on the benefits for an extended period. The computation of your average weekly earnings could be your actual earnings or 50 percent of the statewide average. Whichever one is lower is the amount used.
There are also time limits on how long you can get lost wage payments. This is usually tied to how long you can claim disability. For partial disability, the limit is 500 weeks. This information is for education only, and it is not legal advice.