Under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Law, your employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance helps provide you with benefits in the event that you’re hurt on the job. Your employer should have information on workers’ compensation posted in your place of employment where it is easy to access.
There are a few kinds of employees not covered under workers’ compensation. This includes federal employees, those who work for the railroad, volunteers in most cases and people who are working as independent contractors. Sometimes, agricultural workers are not covered, but this is on a case-by-case basis depending on the employer. Household domestic servants may also be covered by workers’ compensation insurance if the employer chooses to keep workers’ compensation insurance on hand.
Employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when the injury is a result of a disease or accident that took place during the course of employment. For example, if you slip and fall while walking to class at your employer’s school building, then you should be covered by workers’ compensation. If you were not willfully negligent and were working in your normal trade at the time, you’ll be covered as well. If you were purposefully negligent, then workers’ compensation may not apply to your case.
Your injury may occur in other states as long as you can show that you were performing work for your employer at the time and that your employer is in Nebraska. In the case that you die or you lose a loved one due to a work-related injury, family members are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re not sure if you can seek them, your attorney can help you understand your rights.
Source: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Information Sheet, “Rights & Obligations under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Law,” accessed April 07, 2017