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If you normally receive per diem compensation in the course of your employment, you might wonder if per diem is included in workers’ compensation benefits. The financial portion of your workers’ compensation claim generally pays injured workers up to two-thirds of their average weekly salary. It can be difficult to determine all the factors that make up your average weekly wage.
Your average weekly salary is based on payroll records. So, if you regularly receive per diem payments and they are included in your payroll records, they may also be included when factoring your average weekly salary. You do not have to make these difficult calculations on your own. Your workers’ compensation attorney can explain how calculations are made and ensure yours are accurate.
What are Per Diem Payments?
Per diem payments are provided to cover daily expenses and are typically provided to employees who travel as part of their job. They can cover:
- Travel expenses
- Hotel accommodations
- Meals while traveling
Per diem payments can also include compensation for employees who are paid by the day. If you receive daily payments of occasional per diems for work-related travel, your workers’ compensation lawyer can explain how your state’s workers’ compensation guidelines view and assess these payments when calculating your average weekly wage.
When You Could Start Receiving Financial Benefits
Per diem payments can also include compensation for employees who are paid by the day. Suppose you receive daily payments of occasional per diems for work-related travel. In that case, your workers’ compensation lawyer can explain how your state’s workers’ compensation guidelines view and assess these payments when calculating your average weekly wage.
Catastrophic injuries could result in a permanent total disability. Other factors that affect the number of weeks you could receive compensation include limb loss, hearing, loss, and vision loss. The lawyer who represents you will clarify the timeline as it applies to you.
When Will I Start Receiving Medical Benefits?
As an injured employee, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. You also have certain responsibilities you must meet. One of them is notifying your employer of your injury or illness as soon as is reasonably possible. Your employer will inform you of the health care providers you can see for injury-related care.
If your injury requires emergency medical care, do not wait to receive it. Ongoing and follow-up care must be provided by the physician your employer chooses. Your medical benefits may start sooner than your financial benefits. Your lawyer will help you understand how medical benefits work. They will explain your rights as an injured worker.
Having a Lawyer File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Can Be Helpful
Filing a claim for benefits can be a long and complex undertaking. It can also mean amassing an incredible array of paperwork. When you work with a workers’ compensation lawyer, they can help you understand each step of the application process.
Your lawyer will:
- Handle all required communication
- Ensure your medical records are accurate
- Provide ongoing updates on your case
- Ensure all notification and filing deadlines are met
A primary benefit of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is their familiarity with the filing process. The lawyer who represents you can also ensure you receive the weekly benefits you need and for the appropriate amount of time.
You Can Get a Lump-Sum Settlement Payment
A lump sum settlement is possible in certain situations. If one is available for you, your lawyer will inform you. They will also explain how the settlement process works and any subsequent tax liabilities. If your injury is classified as permanent, you may be entitled to lifetime benefits. Only certain types of injuries qualify for this injury status.
Review your current medical condition with your employer-approved health care team to be sure you understand its impact on your life and on your ability to work. Review your current status with your lawyer. They will explain how your health care determination and expectation of maximum medical improvement affect your claim for traditional, lump-sum, or settlement benefits.
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Call for Immediate Assistance Today With Workers’ Compensation
If you were hurt at work and apply for medical and financial workers’ compensation benefits, your wage replacement amount will depend on your average weekly salary. If per diem payments are part of your income, you may wonder if they are included in workers’ compensation. Our workers’ compensation lawyers can help make sure you receive the compensation you need.
Learn more about your benefits and the application process by contacting one of our Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC team members today.
