A Simple Guide to Worker’s Compensation

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Sometimes, more often than we would hope, people get injured at work. This is a huge risk for employers. One of the ways they mitigate that risk is by obtaining worker’s compensation insurance. However, obtaining worker’s compensation as an employee isn’t as easy as it sounds. In certain instances, it can be a struggle to get compensated for your injury. Below are a few things you should know.

What Worker’s Comp Actually Covers

There is some confusion over what worker’s compensation will actually cover for an employee. The coverage includes medical bills resulting from the injury. It includes missed wages from not being able to work. 

It will cover costs related to a long term illness, disability or repetitive injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting from a workplace injury. It will even cover funeral costs if you were to die due to your injury.

The Role of Lawyers

Sadly, the system of worker’s compensation doesn’t always work as it should. In some cases, a completely valid claim may be rejected. The benefits you are paid may not be adequate for your losses. 



Your employer may even retaliate against your for filing such a claim. If any of these scenarios are true, you should seek out workers comp attorney services. Sometimes legal proceedings are required to obtain the worker’s compensation you are entitled to.

What Worker’s Comp Won’t Cover

However, not every worker’s compensation claim rejection is made in error. There are certain things worker’s comp won’t cover. It won’t cover accidents that occurred while you were commuting to work. It won’t cover injuries that occurred at outings for work that were voluntary and not mandatory. 

It won’t cover injuries that occurred due to a worker being intoxicated. Injuries that occurred due to employees acting inappropriately and partaking in “horseplay” may also not be covered.

The Claims Process

Worker’s compensation operates through a claims process. An employee must report the injury to their supervisors at work. They must then categorize any medical care received as being work related so the information can be sent to their employer’s insurance company. 

The claim then must be approved before that worker receives benefits. State law mandates how long a worker can wait after an injury before filing a claim.

Worker’s compensation is very important. It allows workers to recover after a workplace injury without having a huge negative economic impact on their lives. It also shields employers from costly lawsuits. Make sure to learn a lot about the process if you are considering filing a claim.