Workers’ Compensation
In the United States — and pretty much everywhere else in the world — you must work to earn a living. But accidents do happen in the line of duty, and sometimes, these accidents may leave you unable to perform your role in the company and they may have to let you go. This could be disastrous, especially if you are the sole breadwinner in your family. What happens to your dependants? How are you going to take care of the bills if you can’t work? This is where workers’ compensation insurance comes in. This insurance program is designed to help employees get through such tough times without having their lives financially torn apart.
What Is Workers’ Compensation And How Does It Work?
Also referred to as workmans’ compensation, workers’ compensation is a type of insurance coverage designed to provide financial assistance to an employee who sustains injury or becomes disabled as a result of a work-related activity. Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated program, meaning that employers are required to make payments to employees who become disabled or injured in connection to work. Every state in the U.S has its own workers’ compensation laws.
Since it’s a type of insurance, an employee generally cannot sue their employer after receiving benefits. Employees are entitled to these benefits regardless of who’s at fault. Usually, the payment is about two-thirds of the employee’s salary sent every month- untaxed.
What Expenses Are Covered Under Workers Compensation?
Any injury or illness resulting from recklessness either on the part of the employee or the employer is covered under this insurance coverage. Though limits exist, the range of situations and injuries covered is wide. What’s covered and what’s not covered largely depends on a state’s workers’ compensation laws. In most cases, the program will pay for the following expenses:
- Medical costs emanating from the illness or injury.
- Benefits for the dependants if a worker loses life on the job.
- Retraining costs.
- Replacement income.
- Compensation for permanent injuries, if any.
Nevertheless, compensation may be denied if the employee violated company policy or the law at the time of injury, or if the injuries turn out to be self-inflicted. Some states also impose alcohol and drug tests and go ahead to deny compensation if the employee is found to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
The workers’ compensation attorneys the Law Office of James W. Sutton III will review your claim and provide you with the best course of action in your particular circumstances. It is a good idea to have a qualified workers’ compensation attorney like Jamie Sutton on your side helping you get the settlement you deserve. Just about all accidents that happen while you are on the job are covered under workers’ compensation, and if compensation is wrongfully denied, employees are free to pursue it legally. We offer free initial consultations at our Feasterville, Pennsylvania office, or wherever is convenient for you. We represent residents of Bensalem and Levittown as well.
