‘Workers’ compensation’ is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job. It is a no-fault system, which means that employees do not have to prove that their employer was negligent in order to receive benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits.
Usually, a combination of the following benefits are offered:
Medical expenses: Workers’ compensation will typically pay for all of the employee’s medical expenses related to the work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
Lost wages: Workers’ compensation will typically pay a portion of the employee’s lost wages while they are unable to work due to the injury or illness. The amount of benefits that are paid will depend on the employee’s salary and the length of time they are unable to work.
Death benefits: If an employee dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation will pay benefits to the employee’s surviving spouse, children, and dependents.
Workers’ compensation is an important safety net for employees who are injured or become ill on the job. It helps to ensure that employees can get the medical care they need and that they do not lose their income due to a work-related injury or illness.
Here are some additional things to know about workers’ compensation:
Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in most states.
Employees cannot sue their employer for damages if they are injured on the job and they have received workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation claims can be filed with the state’s workers’ compensation agency.
There are time limits for filing workers’ compensation claims.
If you have been injured or become ill on the job, you should contact your employer to find out if they have workers’ compensation insurance. If they do, you should file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible.