If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, you are likely trying to familiarize yourself with workers’ compensation, and how it works for you. It is important to know that your medical costs should be paid and that you should be compensated for your damages, including permanent injuries and loss of work. If you are just beginning to navigate the waters of workers’ comp claims, it is vital first to understand what the term means.
The Definition of Workers’ Comp
Workers’ comp, or Workers’ Compensation Insurance, is a type of insurance that businesses carry to cover their employees who suffer work-related illnesses and injuries. This insurance can include many things, ranging from wages lost due to lost work time to medical care, and other considerations.
These policies and their specifics vary from state to state, so you should always look into your state’s workers’ comp regulations and requirements to determine the coverage you may receive. The benefits that workers’ comp insurance extends to the business owner include ensuring that the business is compliant with state regulations, protecting the business against lawsuits, and covering their employees so that they can receive the care they need for their injuries and illnesses.
How to File a Claim
If a worker has received an injury or become ill on the job, it is important for them to fill out a report as soon as possible, detailing the type of injury, how the accident occurred, and the time it happened. The employer should provide the employee with a workers’ comp claim form, submit all necessary paperwork to the insurance company, and provide all necessary accommodations for the employee when they return to work. Failure to file this report within the legal time limit can severely limit your ability to obtain your settlement or benefits.
If you are a business owner or an employee who is new to workers’ compensation claims, the attorneys at Shlesinger & deVilleneuve can help you with any questions you may have.
