How do "medical benefits" in workers' compensation differ from "indemnity benefits"?

Medical benefits in workers' compensation are designed to cover the healthcare costs associated with work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits typically include payments for medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, and rehabilitation services necessary for recovery.

Indemnity benefits, on the other hand, are intended to compensate employees for lost wages due to time spent away from work as a result of their injury or illness. These benefits provide financial support, ensuring that workers can maintain some level of income while they are unable to perform their job duties.

The distinction between these two types of benefits is crucial in understanding the overall framework of workers' compensation. Medical benefits are focused on the treatment and recovery aspect, while indemnity benefits address the financial impact of being out of work. This differentiation plays an important role in effectively managing the consequences of workplace injuries and ensuring that affected employees receive the necessary support.