Workers’ compensation is payment that covers costs (such as medical bills) for employees affected by illnesses or accidents. Sometimes called “workers’ comp” for short, this entitles certain claims against the employer’s insurance policy for anyone who can no longer perform their usual active duties.
If you have been involved in a workplace-related accident, workers’ compensation can be the difference between a heap of increasing bills and rebuilding your life.
Many people never claim workplace compensation because they never know they’re entitled to it. However, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can ensure that your case is treated fairly—and that you’re able to lodge a successful claim.
Here’s everything about workers’ compensation, and how to know if you have a valid claim.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation refers to specific insurance policies covering employees in the event of illness or injury. Workplace-related could render someone unable to work for an extended period of time—this leads to medical bills, damages, and a direct lack of income.
Workers’ compensation plans aim to compensate employees for their medical bills and additional damages. However, workers’ compensation is easier to claim for via a lawyer.
Claiming for workers’ compensation on your own often means dealing with paperwork that you’re too ill or traumatized to handle. A lawyer advises the next steps, and assists in all the complicated paperwork so that you can better navigate your way to a successful end result.
What is Workers’ Compensation For?
Workers’ compensation is meant to compensate employees for their injuries or damages suffered as a direct result of workplace-related illnesses or injuries.
However, workers’ compensation also means that an employee waives the right to a lawsuit by accepting specific terms.
Accepting workers’ compensation can be a quicker way to cover your expenses, as opposed to the alternative of a court case that may not be successful. Workers’ compensation should be available for all employees—however, claiming or disputing workers’ compensation requires an attorney for the best results.
Workers’ Compensation: Federal and State Laws
Compensation is governed by federal laws, but also subject to specific individual state laws. For the best results, hire a local attorney for your case. Local attorneys are most familiar with the intricacies of state law—and an experienced attorney can navigate the court system faster than most people would be able to fill in the first set of forms.
State laws might also change particular things about your case, such as how much you’re able to claim—or how long after an event you have to speak up.
If you aren’t sure how to approach your case, speak to an attorney first and foremost!
Who Pays Workers’ Compensation?
One of the most common questions about workers’ compensation is about who pays the bill. When someone claims for an accident or illness, the workplace insurance policy—thus the insurer—is most likely to foot the bill.
However, the employer might have to meet certain conditions, like lodging their claim within a specific time. This is different for every state, and every case is likely individual.
Sometimes insurance policies have fine-print and loop-holes. This is why you need a lawyer to approach your workers’ compensation claim—it’s never the type of case someone should try to solve on their own.
Accepting Workers’ Compensation
If you accept workers’ compensation, it also means that you’re agreeing to specific terms outlined in their policy. Unfortunately, most people wouldn’t find their way around these terms with a magnifying glass—and a lawyer can help you to accept workers’ compensation while also making sure that you’re agreeing to fair terms.
Don’t agree to any deal from your employer without having it checked by an experienced workplace attorney first. You’ll never be sure if the deal they’re offering is fair unless you’ve confirmed it with a legal professional.
Workers’ Compensation Disputes
Workers’ compensation disputes are a common issue, which require a lawyer to see the case through to court. Companies might look for ways to avoid paying the full amount—and sometimes companies don’t have adequate policies in place to cover accidents or injuries.
Disputes can discourage people from seeing their case through to the final claim. However, this should just prove more reason to further your case—and it might be time to get in touch with a lawyer any time you feel that you aren’t being fairly treated regarding compensation.
If you’d like to claim for workers’ compensation but have run into a dispute with your employer, you’re going to need a lawyer.
Remote Work and Workers’ Compensation
Workplace-related compensation isn’t just for office workers, but extends well into the remote-working sphere.
You might also be entitled to workplace compensation even if you’re a remote worker. Some part-time jobs and work-from-home jobs are also underwritten by potential workers’ compensation claims—and if you have been injured while on duty, you might still be able to claim
This article was written in cooperation with in cooperation with Tom White