Jackson Permanent Total Disability Benefits Lawyer
Many occupational diseases, such as toxic exposure-related illnesses, are imminently life-threatening, even if the victim receives the best possible medical treatment. Asbestos exposure illnesses, like mesothelioma, are a good example. Overall, cancer survival rates have increased significantly since the 1990s. But mesothelioma is so rare, aggressive, and hard to detect, that doctors can often do little for these heart-lung cancer patients except try to make them comfortable. Even if these victims survive, their working days are normally over.
A Jackson permanent total disability benefits lawyer at Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe works hard to get job injury victims back on the job as soon as possible. However, if the injury is permanently and totally disabling, our legal team shifts gears. We work closely with doctors and other professionals to not only determine the extent of a victim’s disability, but also establish a fair amount of financial compensation for this disability. This compensation must account for both future lost wages and future medical bills.
Lost Wage Benefits
In all workers’ compensation matters, the wage replacement benefit is usually based on the victim’s Average Weekly Wage. Often, the AWW is very difficult to calculate.
For one thing, the AWW doesn’t only include cash compensation. It also includes non-cash compensation, such as tuition reimbursement and housing allowances. Sometimes, this compensation comes in the form of third-party discounts that certain companies give to certain workers.
Additionally, the AWW is forward-looking. When statisticians determine an average, they only look at existing data. Workers’ compensation is broader. The AWW must also include future lost wages, such as missed performance bonuses, lost overtime opportunities, and missed chances for promotion. Many of these items are rather subjective.
On a related note, the AWW calculation often doesn’t look back far enough. Some insurance companies only incorporate the last few paychecks into the calculation. In many cases, that’s not a sufficient amount of data.
Since the AWW is so complex, especially in long-term disability cases, a Jackson permanent total disability benefits lawyer often partners with accountants and other outside professionals in these situations. That’s often the best way, and usually the only way, to obtain maximum lost wage benefits.
Jackson Temporary Total Disability Benefits Lawyers and Medical Benefits
In some other workers’ compensation claims, lost wages and medical bills are separate categories. Regarding permanent disability benefits, these two categories often overlap.
As for future wages, it’s hard enough to calculate the AWW in a temporary disability case, in which the victim returns to work after a few months. Determining the AWW in a long-term disability case is even more difficult.
Additionally, the lump sum disability payment must account for both future lost wages and future medical expenses. If that’s not the case, the victim could be financially responsible for future unpaid charges.
Furthermore, the future medical expenses must be based on nationwide figures as opposed to regional figures or figures from a certain provider. Most people move frequently. They should be free to do so without risking important financial and medical bill payment benefits.
Reach Out to a Diligent Hinds County Attorney
Injured workers are entitled to substantial benefits. For a free consultation with an experienced Jackson permanent total disability benefits lawyer, contact Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. Attorneys can connect victims with doctors, even if they have no insurance or money.
