Become Familiar With How Workers Compensation Operates
Until the early part of the 20th century, workers in the United States had few options if they were injured on their jobs. Someone who has hurt while working or became ill because of working conditions could sue the employer, but most often the employers would win lawsuits. This reality led to the establishment of protection called worker\’s compensation.
Things began to change around 1911, when American states began adopting their own models of worker protection laws that had been put into place in England and Germany about 30 years earlier. Now states manage 55 different workers insurance programs, and most employers are required by law to possess such insurance.
The program covers only those injuries or illnesses that can be proven to be job-related. For example, a worker hurt in a car wreck as he\’s leaving the company parking lot wouldn\’t be covered by worker\’s compensation, but a delivery driver who\’s hurt when his truck is hit by another truck would be covered. Someone who breaks a leg falling from a ladder at work would be covered, but someone who breaks an arm playing on the company softball team wouldn\’t be eligible.
If a worker is seriously injured or ill, worker\’s compensation also will pay for vocational rehabilitation such as physical therapy or training for a different job. Some programs also pay workers for loss of future earnings, if the injury prevents them from continuing in a higher-paying occupation than they can pursue because of a disability. If a worker is killed on the job, the program pays funeral costs and survivors may receive benefits to replace the deceased\’s lost wages.
If a worker is seriously injured or ill, worker\’s compensation also will pay for vocational rehabilitation such as physical therapy or training for a different job. Some programs also pay workers for loss of future earnings, if the injury prevents them from continuing in a higher-paying occupation than they can pursue because of a disability. If a worker is killed on the job, the program pays funeral costs and survivors may receive benefits to replace the deceased\’s lost wages.
If injured on the job, or made ill by toxins or working conditions, it\’s important that workers report the injury and file worker\’s compensation claims immediately. managers and supervisors should offer workers claims forms to fill out. it may also be wise to consult an attorney who specializes in worker\’s compensation law, if the worker suspects the employer or the insurance company could challenge his or her claim.
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