If you get injured while doing your job, workers’ compensation may help ensure that you still get paid and enjoy other perks from your employer.
Basically, workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that protects workers. The protection to the workers is given in a form of finances in case they become injured while on duty. Employers are responsible for providing a safe environment for workers. However, if something goes wrong, they need to pay for the expenses to cover the injuries.
Although workers’ compensation is supposed to be easy, the process of filing a claim can be complex as it requires some requirements that you should be aware of. To know more information about it, make sure to consult an expert lawyer or continue reading below.
- Workers Will Be Compensated For Medical Bills And Lost Wages
Under the workers’ compensation program, employees will get a portion of their income while they’re not able to work. The advantages for temporary wage loss during the recovery period will be provided to sustain workers while recovering from injuries.
However, if you want to take advantage of temporary disability benefits, the eligibility should be documented and determined by a doctor. If necessary, hire a workers’ compensation attorney to help you. They’ll also get coverage for all the necessary and reasonable medical expenses. Vocational retraining and rehabilitation will also be covered.
- Not All Incidents May Be Covered By Workers’ Compensation
It’s essential that you know what incidents are covered under the workers’ compensation law. Besides, you don’t want to waste time fighting with your employer for an incident that isn’t covered.
Know that you won’t be given workers’ compensation if you’re found under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the time you’re injured at work. Ensure that you stay clear of such substances. Otherwise, you’ll lose your right.
Another thing to note is that you can’t benefit from this workers’ compensation by inflicting damage on yourself. Any self-inflicted claim is void and won’t be given to any workers’ compensation. Also, you won’t be provided with workers’ compensation if you’re injured when it wasn’t your duty schedule. The injuries need to be conceded when you’re on duty.
- Healthcare And Workers’ Compensation Are Different
Workers’ compensation is unique and separate from your usual healthcare insurance. For example, you may consider purchasing an employer’s healthcare plan so you can visit your doctor for a yearly check-up and get annual dental cleanings.
On the other hand, workers’ comp insurance is a kind of insurance that most employers purchase to cover injury costs for their workers. It also helps cover wage replacement, prescription medication costs, medical treatment, and mileage costs. Keeping track of what’s work-comp-related and what isn’t can help you avoid any possible problems of reimbursement or denials.
- Not All Are Eligible For Workers’ Compensation
If you’re working as an independent contractor or working in a private house, you can’t benefit from workers’ compensation. Other professionals who aren’t covered by workers’ compensation include:
- Railroad employees
- Casual workers
- Farmers
- Volunteers
- Maritime employees
- Business owners
You must also take note that if you’re a federal employee, you can take advantage of federal workers’ compensation and you won’t be covered under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. Also, there are only some states that won’t enact workers’ compensation laws on employers who are just operating with five or fewer employees.
Conclusion
Not all workers’ compensation claims are the same and not all benefits are equal. If you’ve incurred some injuries while doing your duties, make sure to familiarize yourself with the workers’ compensation program and never be afraid of asking for support from legal experts if you think something isn’t right. Your time away from work might be less stressful, knowing that you have the right resources in place to help you recover successfully.
