What Are Worker’s Compensation Benefits

Worker’s Compensation was established to protect both employers and employees. Employers can budget costs by using insurance plans to cover payments to injured workers rather than risking litigation. Employees have access to an income when unable to work due to a job related illness or injury. While Worker’s Compensation statutes are different in every state, the basic plans are very similar.

In most states, employers contract with private insurance companies for coverage. A few states maintain a public fund, to which employers must contribute, to pay claims to injured workers. Some states use a combination of the two methods. Most employers carry private insurance and the state steps in to cover employers that insurers reject.

In general, workers who are injured on the job, whether from accident or occupational illness, are entitled to receive a percentage of their salary until they can return to work. There is usually a waiting period of several days before the program begins. In some states, payments continue until the employee can resume normal work duties, even if this takes years. Other states pay for a set time frame, after which a lump sum settlement is made if the employee still cannot work.

Expenses for doctors, hospitals, and medication are normally covered to at least some extent. Under some programs, all medical costs directly related to the claim are paid in full, while others pay only a percentage. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are also included.

When an employee is deemed able to resume work, but cannot perform the job held before the claim, many states offer training for the worker to secure a different position. An example of this would be where a worker who normally stood all day could no longer be on his feet for extended periods and received training in computers. Normally, if he is judged able to work at this new career, he must accept or lose benefits.

Any worker who suffers an injury while at work should immediately notify a manager or supervisor, who will obtain any eyewitness reports and file a report. A drug test will probably be ordered for the injured worker, since alcohol or drug usage normally leads to a denial of benefits. The employee will likely be required to use the hospitals or physicians that the employer designates.

Employees receiving Worker’s Compensation payments are expected to try and recover by following medical instructions, including any recommended therapy programs. In most states, they can be dropped from the program for refusing to attend re-training classes. They can also find payments stopped if they are found capable of doing light duty work and they won’t work.

If hurt around the job, or made sick by toxins or working conditions, it is vital that workers report the injury and file worker’s compensation claims immediately. managers and supervisors should offer workers claims forms to fill out. It may also be advisable to consult an attorney who specializes in worker’s compensation law, if the worker suspects the employer or the insurance company could challenge his / her claim.

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