When is an injured employee entitled to collect disability benefits?

An injured employee in Hawaii is entitled to collect disability benefits after three days from the date of injury. This aligns with the state's workers' compensation laws, which establish a waiting period before benefits are activated. Although coverage for medical expenses starts right away, disability benefits are designed to replace lost wages due to the inability to work.

The rationale behind the three-day waiting period is to prevent the system from being overwhelmed with claims for temporary or minor injuries that may not result in significant long-term effects. By allowing this initial waiting period, the system ensures that only those who genuinely are unable to work for more extended periods due to their injuries receive the unemployment benefits. Benefits start on the fourth day, which allows for a clearer distinction between injuries that cause only short periods of incapacity and those that may have more substantial impacts on employment and earnings.