Anyone who performs potentially dangerous tasks as part of their job probably has the same concern: What happens if I get hurt at work?
What Is Workers Compensation?
Workers compensation laws were created with the intent of protecting workers and helping them through the financial trouble associated with work-related injury. And while some jobs may not seem dangerous, repetitive motions, illness or even stress can cause workplace injury. Workers compensation is a form of insurance. It completely covers the cost of medical expenses when employees are hurt on the job. It can also provide compensation for financial losses, both while you’re away from work recovering and, if you’re unable to return, future economic losses. Workers compensation is a “no-fault” system, meaning that the employee receives their medical and financial benefits regardless of what or who causes the accident.
How does Workers Compensation work?
If you are hurt on the job, you should seek medical attention and let your employer know as quickly as possible. If your claim goes through smoothly, you should never receive a medical bill, and will receive monetary benefits as appropriate to your case. However, claims are sometimes denied. In this case, you may need to seek legal advice. Employees in a wide range of fields may receive workers compensation, but not everyone is eligible. Workers compensation attorneys in your area will be informed as to the specific requirements in your state. The same injury may also be very different across professions as it relates to lost earning capacity. A banker who loses a finger, for example, would not have her career impacted as severely as a pianist with the same physical injury.
Does Workers Compensation Involve Suing My Employer?
No. In fact, normally employees receive workers compensation in return for relinquishing the right to file a lawsuit against their employer regarding the incident. There may be other labor-related lawsuits if something goes awry with your claim (for example, it’s illegal for your employer to fire you to filing a claim in an attempt to avoid paying out benefits), but you do not need to sue anyone to receive workers comp.
The prospect of getting hurt at work may be daunting, but simply checking on your workers comp benefits, knowing your rights as an employee and consulting workers compensation lawyers if necessary can protect your income so that you’ll be able to get back to your life as quickly as possible in case of injury. Learn more at this link.