Your Rights
Medical Care
You are entitled to reasonable and necessary medical care for work-related injuries or diseases. Employers or their insurance carriers are required by law to provide these services. During the first 28 days of treatment, your employer has the right to choose the physician. After 28 days you are free to change physicians, but you must notify your employer of the change. If you receive treatment from a physician of your choice, you shall obtain and promptly furnish a report to your employer.
Wage Loss Benefits
You are entitled to weekly workers’ compensation benefits if you suffer a wage loss for more than seven consecutive days. These benefits may be claimed as long as a disability and wage loss continue. Generally, the benefit rate is 80 percent of your after-tax average weekly wage, subject to a maximum rate.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you are unable to perform the work that you have done previously, you are entitled to vocational rehabilitation. The number one goal is your return to work with your employer. If you cannot do this or require assistance in finding a new job, vocational rehabilitation services can help.