What Do You Need To Know About Worker’s Comp

Do you know what workers’ compensation is? Not many people do! However, it is important to have basic knowledge of what kind of coverage your job offers just in case you happen to get into an accident while at work.

What’s the rundown?

Workers’ compensation is insurance for employees to cover lost wages and pay for medical costs associated with the injury that occured while at work – whether it was your fault or not. Each state has different laws when it comes to workers insurance, therefore, you should do some research on what this insurance covers in your working state. In order to be eligible for workers’ comp, the employee must file a claim with HR to open up a case. By filing a claim, you are forfeiting the right to sue your employer in exchange for covered medical costs and lost wages.

What you should do when you do get injured at work?

Contact your supervisor immediately. Explain to them how and where the accident happened. Your supervisor or the HR department will have you fill out a accident report and help you obtain medical treatment. Make sure you go to the medical care facility your work suggested for maximum coverage. When visiting the doctor, make sure to notify them that you are there under workers’ compensation. Don’t forget to present all the information about what occured in the accident.

What it doesn’t cover?

Even though workers’ comp covers you at work for injuries – you should know that coverage can be denied in some cases. If you were intoxicated or using illegal drugs at the time of the injury or if the injury was self-inflicted during work hours – you are not eligible for workers’ compensation. If you are committing a crime or it is the result of violent behavior, you are also not covered under the workers’ compensation umbrella.

Some states require employers to carry coverage, while others depend on how many employees the company has, what kind of company it is and what services the employers are doing. Workers’ compensation was created to reduce the litigation between employers and employees, however, many times lawyers are hired to negotiate the compensation on behalf of the employee. There have been some cases where an employee sues the employer – however this action waives the insurance. If you decide to sue, you will not be eligible to receive any compensation. Workers’ comp is an agreement between the employer and the employee that the employee will get compensated for lost wages and medical benefits in return of not filing legal action against the company.  It is best to know what your workers’ compensation covers to make an educated decision as to whether or not hiring a lawyer is worth the price in the event of a work injury.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash or slip & fall accident and are in need of a lawyer referral or medical services in Miami, Broward, Palm Beach, Orlando, or Tampa – remember after 911, call 411! 1-800-411-PAIN can put you in touch with an experienced team of aggressive attorneys and medical services who will fight for your rights to get the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t forget to follow 411 PAIN on Twitter (@411PAIN), keep up with the conversation at #411PAIN and check out the 411 PAIN event gallery 411painevents.com!