4,764 construction workers died on the job in 2020. If you’re one of the many construction workers in the United States, you know that the job can be dangerous. Every day, workers die or receive injuries on the job.
Thankfully, there are state and federal programs that help injured workers. These programs provide financial assistance to help cover medical expenses and lost wages. In this article, we’ll discuss state and federal programs that pay for construction injuries.
Who Is Responsible If My Employers Don’t Pay Workers Compensation?
If you receive injuries on the job, your employer is required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. However, if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you may still be able to receive benefits through your state’s workers’ compensation program.
In some states, employers who do not have workers’ compensation insurance can be fined.
State and Federal Programs for Construction Injuries
State and Federal Programs were put in place to assist construction workers who received injuries while on the job. The programs offer financial help to workers so that they can cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Some of these programs include:
- Federal Employees’ Compensation Program
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program
- Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs
- State Workers’ Compensation Programs
- The Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Program
Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Program
The Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Program (IIF) is a state program that helps workers who have received injuries on the job. The program provides financial assistance to help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
IIF also helps the families of workers who have died as a result of their injuries. If you’ve received an injury on the job, you may be eligible for IIF financial assistance. To learn more, contact your state workers’ compensation agency.
Who Pays?
In most cases, your employer will pay for your construction injuries. Your employer is required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance will reimburse you for your medical expenses and lost wages.
If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your state’s workers’ compensation program.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety And Health Association (OSHA) is a federal organization that regulates workplace safety. They provide guidelines for employers to follow in order to create a safe work environment.
They offer a program called The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC). This program investigates worker complaints and can take legal action against employers who violate OSHA regulations.
The OSHRC also offers a mediation program. This program provides an opportunity for workers and employers to resolve their differences without going to court.
The Federal Employees Compensation Program
The Federal Employees Compensation Program (FECP) is a program that provides benefits to federal employees who received injuries on the job. The aim of the program is to help construction workers cover medical expenses and lost wages.
The OWCP (Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs) controls the program. The program is geared towards helping federal employees who were injured while performing their duties.
FECP is a voluntary program. Employers are not required to participate in the program. However, if they choose to participate, they must provide coverage for their employees.
To be eligible for benefits, you must have a job-related injury or illness. You must also be a federal employee who is covered by the program.
Who Pays for This Program?
The US government funds the FECP. There are no premiums paid by employees or employers.
What Does This Program Cover?
The FECP provides benefits for wage replacement, medical expenses, and death benefits. The program also offers vocational rehabilitation for injured workers who are unable to return to their previous job.
How Does It Work?
In order to receive benefits, you must first file a claim with the OWCP. You can do this by filling out Form CA-1 and sending it to your employer. Your employer will then have 7 days to send the form to the OWCP.
Once the OWCP receives the form, they will contact you to schedule an appointment for a medical examination. The examiner will then determine if you are eligible for benefits. If you are eligible, you will begin receiving benefits within 30 days.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program
The LHWCA is a federal program that provides benefits to workers who received injuries while working on the docks or in shipyards. To be eligible for benefits, you must be a longshoreman, harbor worker, or shipyard worker. The LHWCA is administered by the OWCP.
Who Pays for This Program?
This program is funded by employer premiums. There are no premiums paid by employees.
What Does This Program Cover?
The LHWCA provides benefits for wage replacement, medical expenses, and death benefits. The program also offers vocational rehabilitation for injured workers who are unable to return to their previous job.
How Does It Work?
In order to receive benefits, you must first file a claim with the LHWCA. You can do this by filling out Form LS-203 and sending it to your employer. Your employer will then have 10 days to send the form to the LHWCA.
Once the LHWCA receives the form, they will contact you to schedule an appointment for a medical examination. The examiner will then determine if you are eligible for benefits.
If you are eligible, you will begin receiving benefits within 30 days.
The Black Lung Benefits Program
The Black Lung Benefits Program (BLBP) is a federal program that provides benefits to coal miners who are suffering from black lung disease. Beneficiaries of this program may receive benefits for medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.
Who Pays?
This program is funded by a tax on coal. There are no premiums paid by employees or employers. The BLBP provides benefits for medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.
How Does It Work?
In order to receive benefits, a coal miner must first file a claim with the Department of Labor. Once the claim receives approval, the claimant will receive their benefits.
There are two types of benefits that are available under this program. These are:
Monthly Payments
These help cover the cost of living for claimants who are unable to work due to their health conditions. The amount of these payments depends on the claimant’s family size and income.
One-time Payment
This is a lump sum payment designed to help cover the cost of medical expenses or funeral costs. A claimant is only eligible for black lung benefits if they have a diagnosis of the disease from a qualified physician.
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program is a state and federal program that pays for construction injuries. The program is for employees who receive injuries or are ill as a result of their work in the nuclear weapons industry. Benefits may include the replacement of income, medical expenses, and death benefits.
The Department of Labor (DOL) administers the program and pays for medical expenses and compensation to eligible workers. The program provides benefits to workers who develop cancer, respiratory illnesses, and other diseases as a result of exposure to hazardous materials while working in the nuclear energy industry.
How Does It Work?
Workers who believe they have an illness caused by exposure to hazardous materials while working in the nuclear energy industry can file a claim with the DOL. If the claim receives approval, the DOL will pay for medical expenses and provide compensation to the worker based on the severity of the illness.
To apply for benefits, workers must submit a completed application to the DOL. You must submit an application within two years of the date that the worker first became aware that exposure to hazardous materials caused.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
If you sustained injuries from a construction accident, you might be eligible to get benefits through one of these programs. An experienced injury lawyer can help you determine which program you may be eligible for and can help you file a claim.
If you received a denial of benefits from any of these programs, a lawyer can assist with your appeals process. If you need help filing a claim or appealing a denial of benefits, contact an experienced injury lawyer today.
Get Help With the Process
If you received construction injuries while working, you may be able to receive benefits from one of the federal programs listed. The Morgan Legal Group in Houston Texas has experienced lawyers who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
The most important factor in these cases is being able to prove that you received your injuries on the job. In order to do this, you will need to have a clear understanding of the program requirements and how to apply. We are happy to discuss your case with you and help you file a claim.