6 Things You Need To Know About Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is an essential topic for business owners to understand. If you are unfamiliar with the basics of workers’ compensation, you could be in for a surprise if an employee gets injured. This blog post will discuss six things business owners need to know about workers’ compensation.
By understanding these basics, you can ensure that your business complies with the law and that you are prepared in case of an injury.
Workers’ Compensation – What You Should Know
Workers’ compensation is a system in which employees who are injured on the job can get money to help them. This is money the company pays for and is usually required by law. It is essential to know that workers’ compensation covers not all injuries.
For an injury to be covered, it must have happened while the employee was working, resulting from the work-related activity. If an employee is injured while commuting to or from work, this will typically not be covered by workers’ compensation.
Furthermore, if you ever wondered, “can I quit my job while on workers’ compensation” the answer is no – an employee cannot quit their job and still receive a compensation benefits. On the other hand, an employer cannot fire an employee for being on workers’ compensation.
There Are Four Main Types of Benefits
- Medical benefits: This includes things like hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, and rehabilitation. Moreover, employees who cannot work because of their injury may be eligible for wage replacement benefits.
- Wage replacement benefits: These benefits replace a portion of the wages an employee has lost due to their injury. Wage replacement benefits are typically two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly salary, up to a maximum amount.
- Death benefits: If an employee dies due to a work-related injury, their family may be eligible for death benefits. In addition, if an employee is permanently disabled because of a work-related injury, they may qualify for permanent disability benefits.
- Vocational rehabilitation: This benefit helps employees who cannot return to their previous job because of their injury. Vocational rehabilitation can provide training for a new job or help with job placement.
They Are Not Automatic
It is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are not automatic. An employee must file a claim to receive them. Furthermore, an employer may require an employee to see a company-approved doctor before they will approve the claim. In some cases, an employer may dispute a claim. This is why it is essential for employees to understand their rights and to know how to file a claim correctly.
You Should Constantly Ensure That it is Up-to-Date
If you are an employer, you should ensure that your compensation insurance is up to date. You will also want to have procedures in place for when an employee is injured on the job. Employees should know how to report an injury and where to go for medical treatment. Having these things in place can help ensure that your employees receive the benefits they are entitled to.
It Can be Disputed
The employee may have to go through a hearing process if an employer disputes a claim. This is why it is essential for employees to understand their rights and to know how to file a claim correctly. Furthermore, if an employee is not happy with the benefits they are receiving, they may be able to appeal the decision.
Know the Types of Injuries that it Covers
Workers’ compensation covers a wide variety of injuries. However, some damages are not covered. For example, losing a limb or getting a concussion are typically covered. However, this may not be covered if an employee is injured because they were not following safety procedures. Hence, it is essential for employees to know what is and is not covered.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation is Essential for Both the Employer and the Employee
Both the employer and the employee need to have a clear understanding of workers’ compensation. Having this understanding can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the process runs smoothly. Ask your human resources department or an attorney if you have any questions.
This is just a brief overview of workers’ compensation. Ask your human resources department or an attorney if you have any questions. With a clear understanding of workers’ compensation, you can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the process runs smoothly.
