If you have contracted an illness or suffered an injury at work, you likely have questions about how you can cover the cost of medical treatment and replace the wages you will lose by taking time off work for recovery. Workers\u2019 compensation is an insurance program mandated by the state to provide financial benefits to employees in this situation based on a number of eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n
State requirements vary concerning an employer\u2019s responsibility to provide workers’ compensation coverage. This depends on the type of business, the number of employees it includes, and the type of work conducted by employees. Domestic workers, farmworkers, and seasonal or casual workers are usually excluded from workers\u2019 compensation coverage.<\/p>\n
No, the injury does not have to occur at the workplace to be covered, but the injury itself must be considered work-related. Work-related refers to any work performed for the benefit of an employer or during the course of employment. This includes illness or injury resulting from business travel, driving a company car, running work errands, or even participating in required company events.<\/p>\n
Workers\u2019 compensation covers any medical or hospital expenses necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of your illness or injury, as well as providing disability payments during the period you are unable to work. It may also cover rehabilitation, retraining, or other benefits.<\/p>\n
This varies by state. Some states allow you to see your primary care physician, while others require you to submit a request in writing before the illness or injury. Generally, a worker must see a medical provider chosen by the employer, at least initially.<\/p>\n