As an employee, you have rights, and when those rights aren’t protected, or you aren’t given the benefits that you are entitled to, you may be eligible for worker’s compensation. In addition, most states enforce some form of liability on businesses in order to support the workers. The requirements do vary by state, but in essence, they all aim to contribute towards lost wages and medical bills should you find yourself unable to work because of an accident or injury in the workplace. However, there is more to workers comp than this, so let’s get into it.
Workers Comp & Employers
By and large, employers are often responsible for any injuries that should befoul their employees either because of their neglect or their ignorance. In short, when it comes to workplace injuries, it is often the employers who are at fault. This is why a lot of employers choose to take out some form of worker’s compensation insurance to reduce their liability. The insurance is used to pay for a number of medical, legal or other miscellaneous costs related to an employee’s injury or accident in the workplace. In lieu of this type of coverage, the employer would be responsible for covering the costs, which could quickly prove costly and be incredibly damaging to a business’s bottom line. The idea of workers comp, as a consequence, also acts a motivator that encourages employers to take health and safety legislation seriously.
Workers Comp & Employees
As already mentioned, workers comp provides compensation to any employee who was injured in the workplace through no fault of their own. They receive financial support to aid in their treatment and rehabilitation until they are able to return to work. A workers comp program often encourages the adherence to safe working practices; it also encourages employees to follow procedures when it comes to reporting accidents, injuries or incidents in the workplace. Your entitlement when it comes to workers comp will depend entirely on the nature and severity of your injury, your state’s requirements, and the business’ policies.
Qualifying for Workers Comp
Most of the time to qualify for workers comp, the injury had to occur on the grounds of the business, and you need to be able to demonstrate that your employer was at fault or that the accident could have been avoided if the proper procedures were in place, enforced and followed by the rest of the staff. If you think you have a case, then you should consult a legal professional like those at Leo Trial Group; they can advise you of your rights and the best course of action.
All states do have a form of worker’s compensation program that can cover different employees, so when trying to work out your eligibility, be sure to double-check if you qualify. For example, some states do not include independent contractors, seasonal workers, volunteers or farmhands in their compensation programs. Again, depending on the state, some incidents may not be covered, either like intentional injuries, injuries sustained during the commute or ones that are not work-related.
In Summary
Most employers tend to post information that is relevant to their workers in communal areas; if you cannot find information pertaining to your business’s policies surrounding workers comp, then you should simply ask. Conduct your own research to find out what your state entitles you to and how to protect your interests in the workplace.