December 28, 2023 | Workers' compensation

Have you been injured at work? Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is designed to provide injured employees with benefits. This insurance is only available when employees suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Its primary purpose is to protect both employees and employers in the event of a workplace accident or the occurrence of an occupational disease. Most states require employers to have a workers’ compensation policy that covers their employees. However, the specific regulations and requirements for the coverage vary from state to state. The core principles of workers’ compensation cover however, remain the same.

How Workers’ Compensation Benefits Employees

Worker’s compensation cover benefits employees in many ways.

1. It covers medical expenses

When you are injured at work or suffer an occupational disease, you will be faced with hefty medical bills. These can put a strain on your finances. Fortunately, workers’ compensation provides cover for medical costs related to treating the work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy and any other necessary medical treatments. Workers’ compensation ensures that you can get the treatment you need when you need it without worrying about the associated costs

2. It replaces part of your wages

If you have suffered a work-related injury or an occupational illness, you may not be able to work for some period of time. Workers’ compensation provides replacement for part of your wages for the period of time that you are unable to work. This is often a percentage of your regular wages. However, the amount will depend on the severity of your illness or injury.

3. It provides disability benefits

There are times when employees suffer injuries that result in temporary or even permanent disabilities. When this happens, the employee’s ability to work is affected. They may not be able to return to work in full capacity or at all. Such an employee would be entitled to disability benefits. These benefits may be partial or total depending on the extent of your disability.

4. It covers the cost of rehabilitation

Workers’ compensation also provides cover for the cost of rehabilitation services. These may include physical therapy for those that have suffered injuries that have resulted in temporary or permanent disabilities. They may also include vocational training for employees whose injuries do not allow them to return to work. Vocational training is provided to help them develop skills in other areas that can help them earn a living.

5. It provides death benefits to the survivors

In the unfortunate event that the employee dies as a result of a workplace accident or an occupational illness, workers’ compensation is designed to provide death benefits to the dependents or other beneficiaries of the deceased worker. These benefits may include coverage for funeral expenses and even medical fees accrued while treating the injuries or illness of the employee while they were alive.

How Workers’ Compensation Benefits Employers

While workers’ compensation provides employees with numerous benefits, it is also very beneficial to employers.

1. It protects employers from liability

When an employee is injured at work or suffers an occupational illness, workers’ compensation insurance provides them with benefits to cover some of the damages incurred as a result of the injuries or illness. Employees that receive workers’ compensation benefits cannot sue their employers for their injuries. Employers therefore enjoy protection from liability. They are protected from suffering enormous losses as a result of being sued by injured workers for injuries that occurred at work.

2. It ensures the employer’s financial stability

By investing in worker’s compensation insurance, employers can avoid shouldering the significant financial burdens that can arise from workplace injuries. Instead, the insurance policy covers the medical expenses, wage replacement and other damages resulting from the illness or injury that the worker has sustained. This reduces the costs incurred by the employer.

3. It helps to boost employee morale

Employees that know that they are protected by worker’s compensation will have a greater sense of security while at the workplace. This will serve to boost their morale. They can work knowing that they are valued by their employer. They know that if anything happens, they will have a financial cushion to fall on.

4. It is a legal requirement

Most states require employers to provide their employees with workers’ compensation coverage. Investing in workers compensation insurance is therefore ensuring that you are in compliance with the legal requirements of your state as an employer. Employers can avoid potential legal penalties and fines

Overall, workers’ compensation offers many benefits for both employees and employers. Through this system, employees can receive the necessary medical care and income replacement during their recovery. Employers on the other hand are shielded from potential legal and financial repercussions resulting from workplace injuries or occupational illnesses.

Workers Compensation Attorneys Omaha NE