Employers and employees often have some common misunderstandings about workers’ compensation benefits. Each state’s workers’ compensation program has slightly different regulations and procedures, but they all operate under similar guidelines. Nevertheless, filing for workers’ compensation benefits is not always a straightforward process. Unfortunately, widespread myths have made the process more confusing. Here are some of the most common workers’ compensations myths that you and your staff should be aware of.
Workers’ Compensation Is Only for Catastrophic Accidents
A lot of people mistakenly associate workers’ compensation with on-the-job accidents that result in injuries such as broken bones. In reality, workers’ compensation programs cover a wide variety of injuries that someone may sustain in the workplace. For example, people can file a claim for repetitive motion injuries or progressive conditions that worsen over time due to the hazards of a specific working environment.
Benefits Cover Only Medical Expenses
The primary purpose of workers’ compensation is to provide employees’ emergency medical care. However, it can also help compensate employees for lost wages in addition to ongoing medical treatment such as physical therapy or medications.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation Can Cause People to Lose Their Job
Employers cannot retaliate against employees for filing a claim. State law prohibits termination of an employee for filing for workers’ compensation as well as other forms of disciplinary action.
Workers’ Compensation Approves All Claims That Employers Corroborate
Simply affirming an employee’s account of an injury does not necessarily mean that a claim examiner will approve a claim. There are a lot of reasons why an examiner may reject a claim regardless of whether an employer thinks that the examiner should approve it. Alternatively, an examiner may request more information before approval. It may be that an employee failed to provide sufficient medical documentation or did not submit a clear description of how he or she sustained an injury.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Precludes Other Legal Action
Making a workers’ compensation claim does not mean that a claimant cannot pursue other available legal remedies. An injured worker can file a personal injury claim against his or her employer or a third party who was responsible for causing an accident. Workers’ compensation benefits may not address the full extent of a person’s damages, and initiating a separate legal action can help a person get other forms of compensation.
Ultimately, it is advisable to establish a relationship with an insurance company that is experienced in helping businesses of every size obtain comprehensive coverage for workers’ compensation benefits. Partnering with a knowledgeable provider can help your company avoid confusion, get clear answers to your most, and provide vital assistance with compliance matters. Having access to the information that you need about workers’ compensation will enable you to protect your employees while also safeguarding your company.
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.