Workplace injuries can occur in any industry, even those not typically associated with high levels of risk. Employees working desk jobs can develop back problems or repetitive strain injuries, and anyone can suffer from a slip and fall incident. To help employees recover damages following a job-related injury, the U.S. Department of Labor and state and local agencies administer workers’ compensation programs.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation laws vary between states, but most provide medical benefits to employees who sustain injury or develop an illness or disability as a result of their job. When workers agree to receive workers’ comp benefits, they are agreeing to forfeit their ability to file a negligence suit against their employer. This agreement saves both parties from the legal fees associated with a trial.
What Does Coverage Provide?
Compensation plans generally provide coverage of medical expenses related to injuries or illnesses sustained in the direct course of employment. Other expenses may also be covered, such as the following:
- Compensation for permanent disability
- Death benefits for survivors of those who die from a workplace incident
- Mental health services
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Replacement salary
- Retraining costs
- Special equipment, such as wheelchairs
What Conditions Are Covered?
Most workers’ compensation claims that involve a significant injury that can demonstrate a causal relationship between the job and the injury will result in recovery of some benefits, although the amount varies by state. Injuries to bone, such as breaks and fractures, are generally covered. Muscle strains, sprains, and tears are also usually covered. Compensation is usually approved for lacerations, punctures, and deep cuts that go beyond what can be treated with basic first aid. Employees who suffer from work-related repetitive strain injuries including back pain, carpal tunnel, or tendonitis can generally expect some type of compensation. Falls, slips, and trips are also usually covered, as are serious accidents involving electrocution or being struck or crushed by equipment or objects in the workplace.
What Conditions Are Not Covered?
Oversight of workers’ compensation in the U.S. is up to individual states, which means that compensation varies across the country for similar types of industries. Employees should carefully examine state law and corporate compensation policies to determine the appropriate benefits that are possible, as well as the types of injuries that are not covered. The following conditions usually do not result in benefits:
- Acts of God
- Common illnesses, such as flu
- Drug or alcohol-related injury
- Heart attack
- Injury due to employee horseplay
- Injury resulting from criminal activity
- Injury resulting from disregard for safety rules
- Injury resulting from starting a fight
- Injury resulting from violation of policy
- Injury sustained out of the workplace
- Intentional self injury
- Minor injury treatable with simple first aid
- Off-duty recreational injuries
- Pre-existing conditions
- Repetitious mental trauma
About InsureMyWorkComp
InsureMyWorkComp is a digital brokerage that helps clients find the right workers’ compensation solution for their business needs. Unlike other online platforms, we will help you to work with an agent who can provide you the right solution for your risk profile. Our staff has over 50 years of workers’ compensation underwriting and sales experience, and we are
confident that we will provide you the support that you need. For more information or to get a quote, contact us today at (855) 340-9138.