After experiencing a hazardous accident at work resulting in injury or disability, workers feel dismayed thinking that they will become a burden on their family. Most such workers are unaware of the Second Injury Fund benefits offered by the government, and they are unable to reap the benefits of this fund.
Today, we will educate you about the Second Injury Fund, which can be highly beneficial for you or your loved ones who have faced an injury at the workplace. If you have experienced a similar situation, click here to get professional help.
What is the Second Injury Fund?
To encourage the hiring of injured or partly-disabled workers, Second Injury Fund was created under the Iowa Code chapter 85. The fund provides benefit payments to victims who have experienced high levels of disabilities, injuries, or death (the family gets benefits in this scenario).
The fund was established to protect the future of the workers who were disabled in workplace accidents. It is a state-administered fund, which helps injured and disabled workers financially.
Second Injury Fund Benefits
The fund can benefit affected workers in several ways. Some of them are mentioned below-
- If a worker experiences permanent disability, he is eligible to receive a paycheck from the fund, every week for the rest of his life.
- In some states, the fund also pays for the medical bills and the costs incurred in physical rehabilitation.
- In case of death, the second injury fund pays the burial expenses and additional death benefits to the family of the deceased.
- If the worker is partly disabled or injured and wants to return to work, the second injury fund ensures that it covers up the second-job wage loss experienced by the respective worker.
Depending upon the state you live in, the terms and benefits of the fund might vary.
How to Claim Second Injury Fund Benefits?
In order to make the most of the Second Injury Fund Benefits, you need the assistance of an expert attorney. You need to file a “Claim for Compensation” against the Second Injury Fund. Also, the claim should be filed within a specified time limit.
You might even need to file a case against the employer, and thus, you will need the help of a legal expert in doing so.
Final Words
You need to be aware of your rights and government benefits as a worker. Second Injury Fund Benefits help you financially and otherwise in unprecedented circumstances. Share this information with your loved ones, or anyone else whom you believe might need to hear this!
