Worker’s compensation is mandatory insurance that all but the smallest companies must carry in most states. If an employee gets hurt on the job, they have the right to receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and ongoing care. For any type of business, small or large, it is vital to carry coverage. It is similarly critical that workers understand their compensation-related rights in the event of an injury. Connecting with an experienced NJ workers’ comp lawyer from Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can help to ensure that you’re properly paid a fairly-valued insurance settlement amount after sustaining a work-related injury or occupational illness.
What Does Workers’ Comp Insurance Cover?
Workers’ comp covers many kinds of financial losses that result from accidents and/or dangerous conditions in the workplace. To name just a few:
- Medical expenses
- The employee’s lost wages
- Any ongoing care that the employee requires
- It also covers funeral costs and compensation for dependents if the employee dies as a result of a work-related accident or illness
Because workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, it is rare that an injured or ill workers’ claim is rightfully denied. Workers’ comp insurance helps to make sure that nobody needs to go through a long, drawn out legal battle if something tragic happens.
What Kinds of Claims Does Workers’ Comp Insurance Pay?
Workers’ comp covers any type of workplace injury that requires care. It doesn’t have to be a catastrophic injury either. Most claims are filed for common injuries such as:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Strains and sprains
- Fall and slips
- Burns
What Does Workers’ Comp Not Cover?
There are exceptions to the “no-fault” approach embodied by workers’ compensation laws. Injuries resulting from the following scenarios are not eligible for coverage:
- An injury caused by an intoxicated employee
- Intentional injuries
- Any injury that is caused by a fight provoked by an employee
Who Pays for This Insurance?
With this type of insurance, the employer pays for it, whether through the state, private, or self-insured. Different places have different rules regarding worker’s comp so it’s best to check with local authorities if you or your employer have questions.
What if I’m Offsite When My Injury Occurs?
It is generally not the “where” of an injury occurrence that matters for the purposes of workers’ compensation coverage but the “whether.” If your injury was sustained while you were engaged in work-related activities, you should be covered. If you weren’t working or completing work-related tasks (such as commuting to a work-mandated social event) when you were injured or made ill, your claim will likely be denied.