Understanding workers’ compensation or workers’ comp laws is important to know your benefits as an employee and the responsibilities your employer has when you are injured or have fallen ill on the job. It goes both ways – workers’ compensation protects you, as the employee, and your employer from financial loss. For example, coverage can be denied if an employee decides to file a lawsuit against the employer.
A work-related injury or illness can be devastating to an employee, which is why in most states, businesses are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees who get injured or sick while working.
Here are some frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation.
Am I Protected By Workers’ Compensation Laws?
If you are employed by a company and you live in any state except Texas and New Jersey, your state may have mandated that employers provide workers’ compensation. However, the industry you are in and occupation specifics can affect your eligibility. Generally, injuries due to intoxication as well as intentional injuries are not covered by workers’ compensation. You are encouraged to learn your state’s workers’ compensation laws in case you ever get injured or ill on the job.
What Is Covered By Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
It varies, but coverage typically includes lost wages, medical expenses, and ongoing care costs. Funeral costs may also be covered in the event of loss of life due to a work-related accident, illness, or injury. Your exact coverage will depend on your state’s laws, your occupation, and the type of injury you suffered or the illness you developed.
What Do I Do If I Am Injured On The Job?
If you are injured on the job, you should inform your supervisor immediately. Details such as the date, time, and specifics of the injury, including the cause of the injury, the body part injured, and witnesses, are supposed to be recorded by the supervisor as these are important details that the insurance company will need.
For an illness that you may have developed on the job, get a medical evaluation and diagnosis and inform your supervisor as soon as possible. The supervisor will file a claim with the insurer and recommend that you receive treatment from a healthcare provider that’s part of the insurer’s network. Simultaneously, you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim. There is a limited window of opportunity to file a worker’s compensation claim with an insurance provider, which is why everything should be completed as soon as possible.
Workers’ Compensation Healthcare Providers in Grand Junction, CO
Navigating workers’ compensation insurance laws can be challenging and even frustrating for employers and employees.
At WorkPartners Occupational Health, our healthcare providers specialize in treating workers with work-related illnesses or injuries. We balance the needs of employers and employees, and communicate with all parties involved, including the insurance provider, to make the entire process run efficiently and reduce the risk of denied claims. Our goal is to restore your health, so you can go back to full function and return to work.
Find out why companies in Grand Junction choose us to provide workers’ compensation services, and why employees prefer seeing us for their medical evaluations. Call the WorkPartners Occupational Health clinic at (970) 241-5585 for more information. You can also request an appointment to see us.
