Top Worker’s Comp FAQS

When employees sustain work-related injuries or illnesses, a government-mandated program, workers’ compensation, offers perks for employees.

Since recovering from illnesses and injuries can be expensive, this program covers medical expenses, like treatment, care, and missed wages.

Every employee must be familiar with workers’ compensation to protect their rights. That’s why professionals at our worker’s compensation firm in Chico, CA, have answered some common questions regarding workers’ comp.

Who Disburses Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Workers’ compensation insurance is frequently purchased by employers who don’t disburse perks to cover employee compensation. Besides Texas, most states demand that companies carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, coverage is an optional choice in those states.

Workers’ comp costs can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as business size, state laws, job risks, employee job description, etc.

What Does Workers’ Comp Not Cover?

Workers’ compensation supports an employee when they experience work-related injuries. However, there are some exceptions depending on the state and state laws. For instance, in some states, workers’ compensation doesn’t reimburse injuries sustained by a workplace brawl, workplace injuries due to intoxication, emotional trauma that isn’t associated with workplace trauma physically, etc.

Does Workers’ Compensation Exempt Any Employees?

Generally, workers’ compensation is limited to salaried employees, which means freelancers or contractors aren’t eligible to claim workers’ comp. Besides this, every state has its laws and regulations for workers’ comp.

For instance, Louisiana’s workers’ compensation criteria exempt crop-dusting airplane crew members and musicians. On the other hand, Arkansas excluded real estate agents and farm laborers from their workers’ comp criteria.

How to Apply for Workers’ Compensation?

As mentioned, all states in the U.S. have different rules and regulations for workers’ compensation, so the rules for applying can also change. However, here’s a general process for injured or ill employees to apply for insurance:

The injured workers must list every detail of the illness or injury. In addition, they must also submit photographs and list witness names, if possible.
They must also report their health condition to their employers as soon as possible. Once they’ve done that, the employer files your workers’ compensation claim with the insurer.

You can reach out to your employer’s insurance company and confirm things to be sure that your claim has been filled. Sometimes, your companies and your employer can deny your claim. When that happens, you can challenge the ruling with the workers’ compensation board in your state if your claim is denied.

Are you looking for an experienced and reliable workers’ comp law firm in California? Visit The Law Offices of Harley Merritt.