Will my lost wages be repaid after a work injury?
May 10, 2018
When you become injured while at work in the state of Kentucky, you will probably need to take time off work in order to recover. This will be unpaid, and therefore, you will lose wages in the short term. When the injury occurred at work, it will seem unfair that you have to suffer financially because of an injury that occurred while carrying out your duties. This is where workers' compensation comes in.
Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that is compulsory for the majority of employers to take out. This insurance means that employees will be supported financially when they become injured at work. In general, this means that their necessary medical services will be paid for, and a certain proportion of their lost wages will be reimbursed. However, many workers in the state of Kentucky are uncertain about what their rights really are, and they are often given inaccurate information from their employer.
What am I entitled to as an injured worker?
When you are taking time of work directly because of a work-related injury, you must report this to your employer. You are legally entitled to be paid for this time. In general, this means that you will be paid 66 percent of your average weekly salary. It is also possible to use your accumulated paid leave in conjunction with this so that you are able to receive your full salary.
If you are an injured worker based in Kentucky, it is important to ensure that you enforce your right to workers' compensation and that you take action when necessary.
Source: KY.gov, "Workers' Compensation Benefits," accessed May 10, 2018