When an employee is injured or develops a disease due to their work environment, it is important that they are aware of the benefits and compensation they may be entitled to. In Kentucky, workers’ compensation and occupational disease claims are available to eligible individuals.
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Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a benefit that provides medical and income benefits to employees who are injured or disabled due to their job. Kentucky requires employers with one or more employees to carry worker’s compensation insurance. Benefits are available to employees no matter who is at fault for the injury.
Eligibility
To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Kentucky, the following requirements must be met:
- The employee must have been employed at the time of the accident or injury.
- The employee must have been injured while performing duties related to their job.
- Notice of the injury must be given to the employer within two years of the accident or injury.
Benefits
Depending on the severity of the injury, workers’ compensation benefits in Kentucky may include:
- Medical treatment and expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and rehabilitation.
- Temporary disability benefits, which is 66 2/3% of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,042 per week.
- Permanent disability benefits, which is determined based on the extent of the injury and the employee’s ability to return to work.
- Death benefits for eligible dependents, including funeral expenses and a weekly payment.
Occupational Disease Claims
Occupational diseases are illnesses or conditions that are directly related to work exposure. Common occupational diseases include lung disease from exposure to asbestos and hearing loss from excessive noise exposure. In Kentucky, occupational disease claims have separate requirements and processes from standard workers’ compensation claims.
Eligibility
To be eligible for occupational disease benefits in Kentucky, the following requirements must be met:
- A medical diagnosis must confirm the illness or disease.
- The disease must be directly caused by workplace exposure.
- Notice of the disease must be given to the employer within two years of the diagnosis.
Benefits
Benefits for occupational disease claims in Kentucky include similar benefits to workers’ compensation, including medical treatment and expenses and income benefits for temporary and permanent disabilities. Additionally, eligible dependents may receive death benefits.
Conclusion
It’s important for employees who have experienced a work-related injury or are suffering from an occupational disease to understand their rights and the benefits they may be entitled to. In Kentucky, both workers’ compensation and occupational disease claims are available to those who meet eligibility requirements. By reporting injuries and illnesses in a timely manner and seeking medical care, employees can protect their well-being and financial stability.