Workers compensation insurance is required for almost every business to assist when employees get injured on the job. Although you should always take measures to prevent workplace injuries, accidents happen. You need to know what to do in case one of your employees gets hurt.
Steps to Take If Your Employee is Injured on the Job
Ensure Your Employee Receives Medical Treatment
It’s important that your employee receive medical treatment no matter how small the injury. Even if the employee insists that they’re fine, ensure they seek immediate medical help.
Speak With Your Employees and Write Down Evidence
Write down details of the incident so that you have details for when it comes time to file a claim. This also helps identify dangerous areas in the workplace that might have caused the injury.
Help the Employee File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The workers’ compensation comes through your business’ insurance carrier. It will be a faster and easier process to work with your employee to ensure they receive the workers’ compensation benefits necessary.
In some cases, a workers’ compensation claim can turn into a lawsuit even if you follow all the necessary steps and precautions. In times like these, it’s best to cooperate and offer the evidence taken right after the injury. A longer legal process can mean higher legal fees, so you want to make the process as quick as possible.
To avoid more workplace injuries, make sure to investigate the initial injury site as soon as it happens. Keep your employees away from dangerous areas and repair any damage that may have caused or could cause an injury. Avoiding a repeat of a workplace injury in the same space is crucial to avoiding unnecessary lawsuits. In cases where the employee works with living creatures such as dogs and a dog bite occurs, ensure that the proper action is taken to warn employees about the danger and remove the threat from the facility if possible.
Be sure to take appropriate preventative measures to avoid as many workplace injuries as possible. In case they do happen, it’s a good idea to have forms ready to sign that describe the claims process to your employees and assures them that you’ll work in tandem to file a claim if necessary. Speak with your Boise insurance agent about what your workers’ compensation insurance covers and be sure to educate employees about the coverage they may receive.
FAQ’s About Workers Compensation: What Happens if My Employees Get Hurt?
What is workers’ compensation insurance?
Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured in the course of employment in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the employee’s right to sue their employer for negligence.
How does workers’ compensation insurance work?
When an employee gets injured at work, they can file a workers’ compensation claim. If the claim is accepted, the insurance covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages due to the injury. In return, the employee typically does not sue the employer.
What types of injuries are covered under workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation typically covers injuries that occur as a direct result of the employee’s job duties. This can range from accidents like falls and machinery injuries to repetitive stress injuries and certain occupational illnesses.
Are all employees eligible for workers’ compensation?
Eligibility for workers’ compensation can depend on the state laws, the type of employment, and the specifics of the insurance policy. Most full-time employees are covered, but there may be exceptions for part-time workers, independent contractors, and volunteers.
What should an employee do if they get injured at work?
If an employee is injured at work, they should report the injury to their employer as soon as possible, seek medical attention, and follow the necessary procedures to file a workers’ compensation claim according to their employer’s guidelines and state laws.
Can an employee sue the employer if they have workers’ compensation?
Generally, when an employee accepts workers’ compensation benefits, they forfeit the right to sue the employer for the injury. However, there may be exceptions if the injury resulted from intentional acts or egregious negligence.
How does workers’ compensation benefit employers?
Workers’ compensation benefits employers by limiting their liability in case of workplace injuries. It also helps in ensuring a safer work environment and can contribute to employee morale by providing a form of financial protection for workers.
What happens if a workers’ compensation claim is denied?
If a workers’ compensation claim is denied, the employee has the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process varies by state but usually involves submitting additional evidence, attending hearings, and possibly hiring an attorney.
Is it mandatory for all employers to have workers’ compensation insurance?
Yes, in most states, it is mandatory for employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. However, the requirements can vary depending on the state, the number of employees, and the type of business. Some states allow larger employers to self-insure.
How long can an employee receive workers’ compensation benefits?
The duration of workers’ compensation benefits can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the laws in the state where the employee works. Benefits continue until the employee is able to return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement. In cases of permanent disability, benefits may be lifelong in some jurisdictions.