How Suffering More Than One Injury Impacts Workers’ Comp Benefits

In some cases, workers’ comp injuries are fairly straightforward. For example, if an employee slips and falls and breaks a leg, their cast, medications, and rehabilitation should all be covered. However, if the same employee breaks a leg and hits their head in the fall, the claim becomes more complex. 

Collecting More in Workers’ Comp Benefits If You Injure Multiple Body Parts

While your employer is liable for paying the medical costs of any injuries suffered on the job, it is up to you to prove that all of your injuries are related to your employment. Our Rhode Island workers’ compensation attorneys can help you get the full amount you are owed for:

Concurrent injuries.

If you suffered multiple scheduled injuries, your claim should list each of your injuries and how each one has affected you. Your benefits should reflect the percentage of disability for each body part as well as their combined impact on your life.

Consequent injuries.

Some employees suffer a single injury on the job, but further injuries develop as a result of the initial accident. For example, an employee with a broken leg may catch the cast on a step, causing them to fall forward and fracture a wrist. Called "compensable consequence" injuries, these should be covered under workers’ compensation because they are a direct result of the work injury.

Wage loss benefits.

If your injuries will prevent you from earning the same level of income you did before the accident, you may qualify for wage loss payments to make up the difference.

Total and permanent disability.

Once your injury has healed, you will be assigned a disability rating based on your specific limitations. If you are completely unable to return to work in any capacity, you may collect permanent disability benefits and medical treatment for life related to your injuries.

Have You Been Injured On The Job In  Rhode Island?

If you've been hurt at work you need to speak with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help work injury victims in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.