10 FAQs About Workers’ Compensations: Here to Answer Your Every Question
Man With Broken Arm Filling workers compensation Claim Form

If you ever find yourself in a workplace accident, you should always report it to your supervisor right away. No matter how big or small it may seem. You should file a workers’ compensation claim by letting your supervisor know. The outcome of your claim heavily depends on the nature of the injury. To learn more about workers’ comp, we’ve compiled a list of common questions and their answers! 

What does workers’ compensation cover?

Workers’ compensation is designed to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, outpatient care, and funeral expenses. It’s crucial if death is the result of a work-related accident or illness. If you want to learn exactly what it can cover, you should look into your workplace policy. You can also ask your employer to receive more information. 

Do I have to have workers’ compensation insurance? 

In many states, any employer with one or more employees is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.  However, you, as an employee, do not have to purchase insurance. Large employers are more than welcome to insure themselves. However, they must meet their state requirements and strict self-insurance requirements in addition. 

How can I look into getting workers’ compensation insurance? 

You can always look into getting workers’ comp online, meeting an agent, or by speaking to an agent over the phone. Your business’s state determines your workers’ comp policy and requirements. Many factors could play a role in determining your coverage and how much you will pay for your works comp insurance policy. 

What is not covered by workers’ comp?

Workers’ compensation insurance is made to help protect businesses and employees in the event of a covered loss. Still, some situations that take place during work may not be covered, such as injuries during a fight between employees, injuries due to being intoxicated during work hours, injuries an employee gets intentionally, and emotional injuries that are not induced by a physical workplace accident. 

What is the first thing an employee should do if hurt on the job? 

If an employee is injured while working, they should report, if possible, the injury to their supervisor immediately. When the supervisor reports the injury, the report must include the date and time, the circumstances that may have caused the injury, and the state of the employee after the accident. Each state has different requirements regarding the latest an injury can be reported. 

Can workers’ comp cover me for work-related illness or injuries that were not the result of my accident? 

Workers’ comp can cover injuries or illnesses induced by your job responsibilities even if they were not a part of an accident. Repetitive motion injuries are amongst the many work-related injuries that can be covered by insurance. Another injury or illness that workers’ comp can cover is carpal tunnel. Some workers even develop digestive orders due to high-stress jobs. Any employee who is exposed to harmful chemicals on a regular basis can also be covered. 

Can I still receive workers’ comp benefits if I am at fault for the accident?

There are some instances when an employee may not receive benefits. A worker will not receive benefits if injuries were self-imposed. Other injuries that will keep an employee from receiving benefits include those caused by fighting, horseplay, or injuries due to being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. 

Can I see my own doctor if I receive workers’ comp? 

To know right away whether or not you will be able to see your own doctor to treat your injuries, it is recommended to ask your employer. The answer depends on the laws of your state and the requirements of your workers’ compensation insurance policy. If required to see a different doctor, you may be able to switch to your own after time.  

Exactly what kind of benefits will I receive? 

The type of benefits you can receive from workers’ compensation depends on the severity of your injury. They can also factor in illness and the laws of the state you work in. if your injury keeps you from working for more than a few days, you will receive temporary disability benefits, which usually are two-third of how much your regular wages are. 

Can I go back to my old job after a workplace accident? 

If you are able to perform the same responsibilities after recovering your injury, your employee is required to give you the next available position. They will not have to fire the person who replaced you in order to get your job back. If you are able to work in another position that your employer has available, they can assign you to that position. 

Learn More About Workers Compensation and How It Can Apply to Your Case 

There is plenty to know about workers’ compensation insurance and how it works to provide you with the coverage you need. If you have recently been in a workplace accident, contact our law firm so we can help you work through your workers’ comp claim.