Under workers' compensation laws, employees who become disabled by a work-related injury or illness receive, at the employer's expense, medical care and cash benefits to replace lost wages. However, receiving workers' compensation benefits does not disqualify you from getting benefits from other pension and disability insurance programs. Some of these benefits are guaranteed under state law, and many are also guaranteed under federal laws, such as the Federal Civil Rights Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act. An example of a benefit from the federal government would be Social Security disability insurance. If you become disabled, you should apply for disability benefits immediately at your local Social Security office. Your company's policy manual or a union labor agreement may provide you with other rights and benefits. To assist you in analyzing these benefits, consult with an attorney experienced in workers' compensation and related areas of the law.
