Whether you are a business owner, manager or employee, you have probably heard the term workers compensation around the job. Perhaps you know of a coworker who was hurt and submitted a claim to help get medical treatment or assistance with paying bills. While you may not have gotten hurt on the job, it’s still a good idea to know more about the process in the event you do need it at some point. As such, the three snippets below can provide you some insight into the process of protecting workers – and businesses – in the event of an unfortunate accident or illness.
1. Workers Compensation Is Insurance
You may have medical insurance, car insurance or homeowner’s insurance. These policies are helpful in times of distress or unfortunate events. They may cover things like medical treatment or bills, damage to personal property and some policies will help when you can’t work. Workers compensation functions in the same way. It is an insurance policy. It protects employers by stepping in when a worker gets hurt on the job. The parameters under which workers compensation applies depends largely on the state guidelines where you live. In general, however, when a worker suffers an injury, the employer informs the insurance carrier.
2. Your Employer Must Report an Injury to the Insurance Company
Once a person reports an injury through the proper channels (typically a manager or human resources department) a report is written. The employer must then open a claim with the workers compensation insurance provider to start the process. The insurance company then takes over and administers the claim from that point forward. An investigation is opened into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Validation of the injury is first in any workers compensation claim process. The type of coverage is dependent on the type of policy that exists.
3. You Cannot Lose Your Job for Making a Claim for a Valid Injury
You may get nervous when reporting an injury to your employer. You may wonder if there is any way you can lose your job for doing it. Remember you are filing a claim against the insurance company representing the company, not the company. Legally you cannot lose your job or get demoted if the claim is valid.
If you start getting pressured to drop the claim, you may want to speak to an attorney for guidance. You may also want to get help if you don’t feel like your medical needs are being met timely by the insurance company. Hire a workers compensation lawyer who can get you the relief you need.
Source: Workers Compensation Lawyers Queens, NY, Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C.