What do disability benefits aim to compensate for?

Disability benefits are specifically designed to provide financial compensation to individuals who have experienced a reduction in their ability to earn income as a result of a workplace injury or illness. The primary purpose of these benefits is to replace lost wages and support workers who are unable to return to their job or perform the same kind of work because of a medical impairment.

This focus on compensating for lost earning capacity reflects the fundamental purpose of workers' compensation programs, which is to ensure that employees can maintain a level of economic stability despite the challenges posed by their disabilities. Other elements, such as emotional trauma or legal fees, while significant in their own right, are typically addressed through different forms of assistance or may not be directly covered under standard disability benefits.