Workplace injuries are prevalent in the US and many other parts of the globe. This has resulted in an increase in the number of people filing workers’ compensation and high demand for injury attorneys. What is worker’s compensation about? This is a series of benefits paid to employees that incur injuries at work. Employers are required by law to offer this benefit to employees and do so through a workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Here are things to know about workers compensation:
- You don’t have to prove that your employer was responsible for your injuries.
You have to ascertain that the other party was responsible for your injuries in any personal injury case. This isn’t the case with workers’ compensation, though! The laws surrounding this benefit allow workers to get the required medical help without challenges.
All you need is to prove that you incurred the injuries in the workplace. An injury lawyer will tell you that whether the employer was at fault or not; this shouldn’t matter. However, it’s advisable to report the incident to your employer immediately.
- The employer chooses the health provider.
After suffering personal injuries in an accident, you can seek medical help from any hospital of choice. But, with workers’ compensation, your employer decides where you get treatment. They choose the health provider and will cater to the medical expenses. If you opt for a different clinic, you’ll likely lose your claim rights and have to pay for the expenses from your pocket.
- It’s not a must for some employers to have workers’ compensation.
It’s a legal expectation for companies to have workers’ compensation. However, you have to meet a certain number of workers to qualify for this. If you work for a small company with few employees, you won’t be entitled to workers’ compensation in case of injuries.
Also, if working on a casual basis, you may not qualify for the benefits. And it’s best to inquire about this when signing your employment contract.
- You need an attorney to follow up on your benefits.
If you suffer injures at the workplace, the employer may intimidate you or frustrate the process. You need a lawyer to help you file a claim and follow up on your case. What of the cost of services? Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, and the professional will get a certain percentage for the total sum recovered from the company.
If the lawyer cannot recover the benefits from the employer, you won’t be compelled to pay for the services. Nonetheless, it’s wise to hire a skilled attorney with experience handling such cases. And this will improve the likelihood of success.
Final thoughts
If you suffer injuries at the workplace, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, not all companies offer workers’ compensation; small firms with fewer employees will unlikely provide such benefits. Therefore, inquire if your company offers this, and prepare adequately in case of an emergency. Also, you’ll need the services of an attorney in case you suffer injuries at work; this way, you’ll enhance your chances of getting your rightful dues.
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