Workers' compensation is designed to help you survive after on-the-job injuries. By covering your medical costs and supplementing your pay, you and your business can be as stable as possible as you recover. Unfortunately, an injury that is severe enough to require workers' compensation may be severe enough for lasting, more complex problems as the years go by. As you consider your finances and working ability, consider a few ways to push for a more secure financial life after a workplace injury.
Small Relief Costs Add Up
After recovering from an injury, you may have a few lingering problems that aren't immediately in the way of your job or personal life. You may need to take a few extra painkillers here and there to be comfortable, or you may seek the help of a chiropractor for back problems after injury.
These small to medium costs and adjustments may not seem like a lot at the time, but consider how much you spend over a year, five years or ten years. Spending $10 to $20 on occasional visits for the rest of your life could be affordable, but is it really a cost you should be taking on?
Before too much time goes by and the injury circumstances are forgotten, make sure to consult a team of workers compensation lawyers to find out if you need to be searching for support after the injury. Every pill, doctor's visit, alternative medicine attempt and strange home device for comfort should be considered as you assess the costs and future needs for continuing pain and inconvenience.
Planning For A New Career Future
Workers compensation could just be the beginning. If it looks like you'll be unable to continue your job or be competitive for promotions, you may need to seek assistance in finding a new career. Unfortunately, it's difficult to jump into a new career path and be relatively well paid. If you want to increase your chances of performing well in a career with great pay, it might be time to get job training or go back to school.
Job training can help you learn a specific job path, often for a specific company. If there are many companies in your area, find out if your company can arrange for a transfer and training program to get you up to speed in a respectable position. If job training isn't available or not a good enough promise of success, consider getting a college degree to qualify for more positions. After an injury and into injury settlements, you can lighten the financial burden of your company by suggesting the services of a grant specialist or scholarship professional.
Instead of paying for your education out of their budget, your company will only have a bill from the scholarship professional, which can be far lower than full college tuition. Low costs make settlement agreements more likely, and you could be able to help your company by learning new techniques to enhance the bottom line--all while working in a new job that doesn't aggravate your injuries.
Contact a workers compensation lawyer like Neifert Byrne & Ozga to begin planning your earning potential after injury.
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