A serious injury can impact your ability to work for a lifetime. You may find it difficult or even impossible to return to work after your injury. Luckily, you may be eligible for workers comp benefits following the work accident. 

But you may also be close to retirement age. This can impact the workers comp benefits you’re due following your accident. So can you collect both? 

Getting coverage for your injuries and lost wages while you’re unable to work is important, but if you’re nearing retirement age, you may need a little advice on your next steps. When you connect with a workers comp lawyer, they can help you maximize your benefits and ensure you’re getting the right benefits after a serious work accident. 

Benefits You’re Due 

When you’re hurt in a work accident, you may be due workers comp benefits while you’re unable to work. These benefits should continue until you’re able to return to work. But not every injury is something you’ll be able to recover from. 

For example, a spinal cord injury may have left you paralyzed from the waist down, making your former job impossible. After this injury, you may never be able to return to work at all. But what happens when you reach retirement age? 

In Indiana, you should receive Social Security benefits after you reach this age. But receiving these benefits means you may be disqualified from receiving workers comp benefits. Because of this, you’ll only receive one type of benefits or the other.

How a Lawyer Can Help

While your benefits may change, you shouldn’t lose the coverage you need to recover from your injuries or get the support you need when you’re unable to work. These benefits should continue to help you and your family live more comfortably, without worrying over your normal expenses. 

But you may have some questions about your coverage, or your employer may be trying to avoid payments you’re due based on your age. If you believe they’re not respecting your right to compensation, your lawyer can help. 

They can take your claim to the Workers Compensation Board of Indiana. They can also represent you during a formal hearing to help you get the benefits you’re due. If you’re concerned that your employer is failing to pay the benefits they’re required to pay by law, your lawyer can review your claim to help you get compensated fairly. 

Reach Out to an Attorney About Workers Comp and Retirement 

When you’re nearing retirement age, you need to think about the workers comp benefits you’re receiving. Those benefits won’t last forever, and you may need a little help when you do retire. How do you ensure you’re getting the benefits you’re due? 

If you’re concerned about your retirement benefits and workers compensation benefits, reach out to the lawyers at Kooi Law. We can help you understand the benefits you’re due when you’re hurt—and how those benefits can change once you reach retirement age. When you’re ready to learn more about your claim, take advantage of a free consultation by calling 317-569-1335 or by completing the online contact form below.