Defining Workers Compensation

What is Workers Compensation?

Let’s dive into how Workers Compensation works for our businesses and employees…

What’s Involved? What Counts for Workers Compensation?

Workers’ compensation often covers matters such as lost wages, medical treatment expenses, and even rehabilitation costs for a business’ employees. Workers’ compensation can also cover death benefits for the families of an employee who has died on the job. But in order for workers’ compensation to take effect, an employee must be hurt or become sick while “in the course of employment” as described by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Furthermore, the state that you live in may also have an effect on the exact medical and wage benefits that you can get for your injuries. It is important to learn about your state’s workers’ compensation rules so that you’ll know whether your situation is covered.

For Business Owners: How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Cost?

Each state typically determines the cost of your workers’ compensation insurance by the “class” that your business is placed in. A class of business is determined by your business and businesses similar to yours—with a five-year assessment of the losses taken by all the businesses within your class, these insurance providers can provide everyone within the same class an equal cost rate. This is continually adjusted based on the occurrence of loss by every business in the state. The safer your business is, the better your rate will be as your company is moved to a better class. Opposite of that, unsafe businesses will be downgraded and experience higher rates.

Do All Fifty States Require Workers’ Compensation?

A doctor is expected to be knowledgeable enough in their field to properly diagnose you when you’re not feeling well. After all, you’re turning to them for advice and assistance on getting better—a bad diagnosis could potentially make you miss a turning point, leading to becoming even sicker or worse, even dying. Should a doctor diagnose you improperly and/or prescribe you the wrong medication which leads to further suffering and worsening conditions, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice.

Did You Lose a Loved One Because of Doctor or Nurse Negligence?

All fifty states have some form of workers’ compensation laws, but they may have their own kinds of waivers, exceptions, or limitations. For example, West Virginia has a unique rule where only agricultural employers with less than five workers can be exempt from workers’ compensation, but all its other businesses must provide workers’ compensation coverage to their employees. Meanwhile, for the state of Ohio, employers must all have workers’ compensation coverage so long as they have more than one employee. This is why it is important, whether you are a worker or a business owner, to know what your state’s workers’ compensation laws are.

How Do Workers’ Compensation Work?

Should you experience any injuries at work, your first action should be to visit a doctor or healthcare professional to get treated and to get the medical reports you’ll need for your workers’ compensation claim. You will also need to check to see what paperwork is required by your state. After getting those papers, report to your employer so that they can provide you the next steps and forms that will be for the insurance company. Finally, the employer will submit the claim to see if it is approved or denied. Whether approved or denied, an employee can then consider whether they want to negotiate, appeal, or seek legal help.

What Happens If a Business Fails to Provide Workers Compensation Insurance?

It is vital that employers adhere to their state’s workers compensation rules and provide their workers with the coverage that they’re legally owed. Businesses can potentially fail at this if they commit any of these actions or inactions:

Failing to have workers’ compensation insurance at all

Attempt to steer and influence a medical professional’s diagnosis of an injured employee

Categorize and classify their workers inaccurately

Poorly and inaccurately classify a worker’s injuries

Appealing or attempt to block an employee’s workers compensation claim without substantial reason or cause

Not providing proper and accurate information to their employees in regard to workers compensation

Any of these failures and more would leave an employer vulnerable to fines and penalties.

Use TopResearched to Find the Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyers and Get Your Proper Compensation

You’ve worked hard at your job and the last thing you’d want is to be left out in the cold by your employer as you try to recover from your work-related injuries. Sometimes, the workers’ compensation insurance providers may try to offer you less-than-ideal amounts that might not even cover your medical treatments. When that becomes the case, it may be time to contact a workers compensation lawyer to know your rights and to push for the compensation that you’ve truly earned with your service. Let TopResearched help you get on track with our stringent verified lists of the top workers compensation lawyers in your area!