Getting Familiar With Worker's Compensation
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.
Funding for compensation programs is normally provided in one of three ways. In the majority of states, employers are required to obtain policies from insurance providers to cover their claims. In a very few states, employers pay into a state operated fund that processes claims and distributes payments. And finally, there is a combination method employed by some states in which the state fund covers only employers reject by private insurers.
If unable to work due to an accident or job related illness, workers receive a set percentage of their normal salary while they are disabled. Sometimes, payments can continue indefinitely as long as the employee is unable to work. In other states, there is a time limit, and once this point is reached, a lump sum payment is issued and monthly disbursements are discontinued.
Medical expenses related to the covered injury or illness are covered in full or in part, depending on the state. Prescriptions, medical equipment, doctors, hospitals, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services are 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.
A worker who is injured on the job should immediately report the incident to a supervisor or manager. Management will collect the statements of any witnesses and prepare a report. Normal procedure is to arrange a drug test for the injured employee, since the presence of illegal drugs or alcohol usually invalidates the claim. Most employers also have designated hospitals or doctors for the initial treatment of work related injuries as well as follow up treatment.
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 relating to the job, or made sick by toxins or working conditions, it is important that workers report the injury and file worker's compensation claims immediately. managers and supervisors should offer workers claims forms to fill out. It can also be smart 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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