Workers’ Compensation: All You Need To Know
Workers’ compensation refers to a system of payment that allows employees who are injured while performing their work duties to be paid for their lost salaries, occupational expenses, and medical costs irrespective of their fault or personal negligence. In exchange, employees relinquish their right to sue their employers for neglect and other damages directly. After workers get injured at the workplace, they might lose their benefits, leaving them without income. In the worst-case scenario, the injured worker may get a notice of an investigation with allegations of insurance fraud which can lead to criminal penalties and at this point workers’ compensation will save the employee.
What does the law say about workers’ compensation?
The legal theory of strict liability governs workers’ compensation. The meaning is that the employer is liable for the employee’s injury regardless of the role they played in the issue. With this system, an employee’s negligence and the fault do not have to be proven for the worker to benefit.
The law protecting workers’ compensation differs in different states, so it is essential to check the provisions in your particular state when you get injured at work. Besides, it is vital to know that time limits restrict the time frame you can take to file the claim after getting injured at work.
What qualifies as a work-related injury and is covered in workers’ compensation?
A work-related injury happened when you were executing your work duties and responsibilities. The responsibilities may be jobs you do on behalf of your employer or primarily what you were hired to do, whether you work for the government or in a private company. Most of the injuries covered in workers’ compensation occur at the workplace and those that happen in the company vehicles or other places as long as the employee was executing his duties.
Conclusion
Depending on your state, certain types of workers, such as domestic workers and agricultural workers, may not be covered by the workers’ compensation system. You, therefore, need to study the legal provisions in your state keenly.
If you need any legal help, please contact us at The Slaughter Law Firm. We are family-owned with several years of experience. Our focus areas are criminal, divorce, and personal injury. Visit our website for more information.
