Social Security Lawyer
Were You Injured in a Work Accident?
Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you were injured in a work accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the National Insurance Institute for the impairment of your working capacity. Compensation is divided into two stages: first, injury benefits are paid, followed by a claim for work disability benefits. This article outlines the essential details you need to know about filing a work disability claim in Israel.
By Igal Mor, Adv. & Notary
Accuracy in Legal Advice. Excellence in legal support.
Stage One — Injury Benefits
An employee injured in a work accident whose ability to work has been impaired may receive two types of compensation from the National Insurance Institute. The first is injury benefits, paid for a maximum of three months. If after this period the employee has not fully recovered, a claim for work disability benefits may be filed. Before filing the disability claim, however, the employee must first file a claim for injury benefits—this is a prerequisite for the work disability claim.
Stage Two — Work Disability Benefits
When a work accident leaves an employee with a lasting disability, the employee may file a claim for work disability benefits. Compensation is paid as a monthly allowance or a one-time grant, depending on the disability percentage determined by the medical committee. The claim must include all current medical documentation regarding the employee’s condition that was not submitted with the initial injury benefits claim.
Filing Deadlines
If you have been injured in a work accident, do not delay in contacting the National Insurance Institute. The employee must submit the injury benefits claim within 12 months of the date of injury and incapacity. Filing after this deadline may affect your right to injury compensation, either fully or partially. The work disability claim should be filed promptly after the injury benefits period ends.
One-Time Grant vs. Monthly Allowance
Work disability compensation is paid either as a one-time grant or a monthly allowance. When the medical committee determines a permanent disability of 9–20%, a one-time grant is awarded. A permanent disability above 20% entitles the employee to a monthly allowance. For temporary disabilities, the employee receives a monthly allowance provided the disability rating exceeds 9%.
The Importance of Medical Documentation
The National Insurance medical committee bases its disability determination primarily on the medical documentation attached to the claim. The importance of thorough documentation cannot be overstated. The employee must ensure they have current medical records, including imaging results, specialist opinions, and any other relevant documentation reflecting the full extent of the injury and its impact on daily functioning and work capacity.
Appearing Before the Medical Committee
The committee’s decision is based on both the medical documentation and its direct assessment of the employee’s condition during the hearing. The employee must clearly describe the nature and extent of the injury, the limitations experienced, and their effect on work capacity. Many employees find committee appearances stressful—importantly, the employee may be represented by an attorney during the hearing.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
When determining disability, the medical committee will consider only the medical issues caused by the work accident. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from the disability assessment. The one exception is when the work injury aggravated a pre-existing condition—in such cases, the committee may account for the worsening.
Filing an Appeal
An appeal against the medical committee’s decision may be filed within 30 days of receiving notice of the decision. The appeals committee may cancel or modify the original decision. Its ruling is final and may only be challenged on legal grounds before the Regional Labor Court.
The Value of Legal Representation
Given the financial significance of a work disability claim, it is strongly recommended to engage an attorney who specializes in social security law rather than pursuing the claim independently. An experienced attorney possesses the knowledge and expertise to maximize both the likelihood of a successful claim and the compensation amount. The lawyer will handle every aspect of the process—from collecting relevant medical documentation and preparing the claim to representing the employee before the medical committee and, if necessary, the appeals committee.
With years of experience navigating the complexities of National Insurance proceedings, Mor & Co. understands the challenges involved. Our deep legal knowledge and extensive experience representing clients before the National Insurance Institute and the Labor Court equip us to deliver outstanding results. Unlike rights-extraction companies that lack the legal authority to represent clients before medical committees, our attorneys personally accompany you to hearings and ensure that due process and natural justice are upheld. From the initial claim filing through the preparation of your complete medical file, we protect your interests at every stage. Contact us today at 02-595-3322 or via WhatsApp at 050-441-1343.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Work Accident Claims
How much compensation can you receive for a work accident? How do you file a work accident claim? Can an employer terminate an employee after a work accident? Are sick days for a work accident deducted from regular sick leave? How do you submit a work accident claim with the National Insurance Institute? How much are injury benefits for a work accident? Is it permitted to travel abroad during work accident leave? What percentage does an attorney charge for work accident representation? How long after a work accident can you file a claim? What is the difference between a work accident and sick leave? What qualifies as a work accident? Who pays for a work accident—the employer or the National Insurance Institute? What forms must an employer complete when a work accident occurs? How can I estimate my expected disability percentage following a work accident?