worker compensation - featured image

Workers’ Compensation: What Every Employer Must Know

Image by Yerson Retamal from Pixabay 

No one, whether employer or worker, wants injuries to happen in the workplace. However, when they do, there are laws in place to protect both worker and employer. In this post we review the workers compensation laws everyone should know about.

What Most of Us Know About These Laws Is Minimal

What most of us know about workers’ compensation laws for a workplace injury is that the employee can claim redress for these three matters:

  • Work missed due to the injury
  • A period of rest, depending on the doctor’s written advice and the severity of the injury
  • Medical bills, including admitting charges, medications, and doctors’ consultation fees

RELATED ARTICLE: SAFETY WORKWEAR: YES, YOU CAN GIVE EMPLOYEES STYLISH OPTIONS

But Wait—There’s More

However, there is more to workers’ compensation laws than just these three things. Moreover, every worker as well as every employer must be aware of the following five items as well.

Workers Can Be Compensated for Various on-the-Job Injuries

Falls and slips can result in wounds to limbs and elsewhere on the body. Additionally, a worker might receive a cut from working with various kinds of machinery. There might also be sprains or strains from lifting, as well as injuries caused by excessive traveling for the job. All of these injuries are eligible for workers’ compensation.

Businesses must report any on-the-job injuries to the state, which then examines each case.

Employees Must Be Compensated for Lost Wages and Medical Expenses

When an injury happens on the job, employees are eligible for either complete or partial pay, based on the extent of their injury. 

These benefits help the employee through tough times and ensure he or she comes back to the organization at the same or a similar position.

Employees Cannot Sue Their Employers When They Are Already Receiving Workers’ Compensation

An employee who is receiving benefits such as wages and compensation for medical expenses cannot sue the employer or their managers in a court of law. However, if the employer refuses to provide compensation, an employee can take appropriate legal action with the help of a workers’ compensation attorney.

Some Organizations Are Not Subject to Workers’ Compensation Laws

Workers’ compensation laws differ from state to state. Moreover, they are subject to various factors such as the number of employees, the kind of business, and the nature of the work.

Additionally, many organizations do not provide these compensations to part-time or contract employees, external vendors’ employees, and volunteers. However, every employer should be cognizant of the workers’ compensation laws in their state and develop employee guidelines accordingly.

Most Workers Compensation Claims Are for Strains and Sprains

Most of the workers’ compensation claims for injuries in the workplace are due to strains and sprains. Cuts and bruises follow close behind. Eye injuries are common in construction and manufacturing, while cuts and punctures happen more frequently in small businesses.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an employee who has been injured on the job or you’re a business owner whose employee has been injured, seek the aid of a workers compensation attorney and find answers for the specific problem you’re facing.