Workers’ compensation is designed to provide you with benefits should you get injured at work. Regardless of fault, it can provide you with the funds you need to pay your medical bills and other expenses as you recover.
That doesn’t mean workers’ compensation is guaranteed. If your employer doesn’t have the appropriate insurance policy, if your accident isn’t covered, or if the amount you’re awarded isn’t enough, there are things you can do to cover all of your expenses.
See if You Can Seek Compensation From a Third Party
There are hundreds of thousands of nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries reported every year. There were nearly 130,000 accidents and illnesses reported in 2020 in New York alone. Many of these illnesses and injuries are covered by an employer’s workers’ comp insurance, but there are instances where it isn’t.
In some cases, a third party is responsible for an injury. If you were injured by a faulty piece of equipment, or you were injured due to a subcontractor’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation from a third party when workers’ comp isn’t an option.
Appeal Their Decision or Sue if Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied
It’s worth talking to your attorney if your workers’ comp claim was denied. In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision. In other cases, suing might be the right course of action.
If you didn’t file your claim by the deadline, or if you didn’t seek medical treatment for your injuries, chances are, your claim will be denied and there won’t be anything you can do about it.
However, if your employer denied responsibility for the injury, if they downplayed the injury, or if they didn’t provide the insurance company with the appropriate information, you may still be able to get what you’re owed with help from a legal representative.
Check Your Insurance
Insurance policies can be confusing. In one survey, 40 percent of respondents reported not knowing what’s actually in the policies they hold. It’s possible that your policy could help cover some expenses if a workers’ compensation policy doesn’t.
Figure out what your health insurance covers, but also see if you have some kind of short- or long-term disability coverage. If you do, it could help cover your expenses while you recover.
Request Disability Benefits
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to receive disability benefits, even if you have also received a workers’ compensation payout.
Disability payments from private sources, like insurance benefits, don’t affect your ability to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance. However, in some cases, the insurance company may reduce your benefits if you also start receiving Social Security Disability. It will depend on your particular situation, so it’s a good idea to talk to your attorney before you apply.
Create an Account on a Fundraising Platform
It isn’t uncommon for workers’ compensation and other benefits to fall short of what you need each month to cover your bills. Not to mention, it can take weeks, months, or even more than a year before you start receiving benefits.
Whether or not you receive workers’ comp benefits, or how much you receive, you may want to consider creating an account on a fundraising platform to help you with your expenses while you recover.
Online platforms have made it easier than ever before to raise money from real people who want to help you out. Some even go viral and raise thousands more than what was initially requested. And unlike a loan, these funds do not have to be repaid.
A few crowdfunding sites to consider using include:
- GoFundMe
- GoGetFunding
- FundRazr
- Fundly
- Plumfund
See What Expenses You Can Reduce
If you’re still struggling to pay your bills while you recover from an accident, it’s a good idea to look for ways to reduce your expenses.
Lowering your bills includes doing things you’re probably already familiar with, like making coffee at home and cancelling subscriptions you don’t need, but you can do more than that.
For example, you may be able to refinance your home and get a lower monthly payment, or you might be able to negotiate a lower rent payment if you sign up for a longer lease.
Getting injured at work is stressful enough already without worrying about how you’re going to pay your bills while you recover. Fortunately, with the ideas on this list, there are things you can do to get the money you need, regardless of whether you’re covered by workers’ compensation.