Workers’ compensation, sometimes known as “workers’ comp,” is a government program that provides payments to employees who are injured or get ill as a result of their employment. It acts as a disability insurance policy, providing monetary and healthcare benefits to employees who are directly impacted by work-related injuries or illnesses. Workers’ compensation is generally regulated by separate states in the United States, with varying benefits mandated in each jurisdiction. Learn more from a Richmond workers’ comp attorney.
Is it possible for me to receive benefits if I contributed to my injury?
Yes, in the workers’ compensation system, fault is not a consideration. If the injury occurred at work, it makes no difference who was at fault. You may be eligible for benefits if you can demonstrate this. However, some scenarios, such as disregarding safety standards, causing purposeful self-harm, driving while intoxicated, or being hurt in a fight, may exclude you from collecting compensation.
What if the company I work for is not covered by workers’ compensation?
Employers are not authorized to acquire private workers’ compensation insurance and must obtain it through a government organization. This law is strictly enforced by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and fines for disobedience may be imposed. fines for late payroll reports and premium payments include both fines and potential liens for unpaid premiums or claim fees. If an employee is injured while the insurance is still active, he or she has the right to sue the company for any resulting losses and expenditures.
Will I be able to sue a third party for negligence?
In some situations, employees can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a third party while concurrently filing a workers’ compensation claim against their employer. Such situations include being injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver while driving for work, being injured on a poorly-maintained property not owned by the employer (e.g., a construction site), being exposed to a toxic substance due to faulty safety equipment, or being injured by a defective product used for work.
Final thoughts:
Employers in all states are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage to some employees, however, the regulations and exclusions vary. Contractors and freelancers are often excluded from coverage, and specific occupations may be prohibited or have restricted benefits based on state rules. If you need more information on this, a lawyer will be able to help.
