There is nothing more shocking than going to work and finding yourself in the hospital that night. You never expect to get hurt on the job, but nevertheless, it does happen.
If you get hurt while you’re working, the good news is that you can receive workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation covers employees who are hurt on the job, so they don’t have to worry about paying for medical bills or losing out on wages if they can’t work for an extended period of time.
What does workers’ compensation cover?
Workers’ compensation covers medical treatment, physical therapy or occupational therapy to support a worker returning to work, lost wages up to two-thirds of any employee’s salary, death, illnesses caused by work, injuries and other items. This is a business expense for your employer, but this is one that he or she needs to pay and keep up to date. If you find out that your employer does not have workers’ compensation for you or other employees, then you may be in a position to file a lawsuit.
Are you covered if you cause your injury?
It depends on the circumstances. Most of the time, making mistakes that lead to injury won’t impact your workers’ compensation claim, because the burden is on the employer to train employees in being safe on the job. However, if you intentionally hurt yourself on the job, that could be a reason for your claim to be denied.
If your claim is denied or your employer doesn’t want to file it, be prepared to take action on your own. You have a right to make a claim if you were hurt on the job.
Source: Business.com, “6 Things You Need to Know About Workers Compensation Insurance,” accessed May 11, 2018