What Responsibilities Does An Employer Have Pertaining To Worker's Compensation?
Sometimes accidents or illnesses can happen in the workplace even if safety precautions are taken. An unexpected injury may occur or an employee may suddenly have an allergic reaction to certain substances that are used in the workplace. Fortunately, when this happens, any expenses that occur due to the work related injury or illness will be covered by worker's compensation. These are the obligations an employer has to his employees when such an injury or illness occurs.
To Carry Worker's Compensation Insurance
All employers are required by law to carry worker's compensation insurance. This insurance will pay for medical expenses, lost wages and continuing treatment that may be a result of an injury or illness that occurs while the employee is working.
If an employer does not carry worker's compensation insurance, they may be sued by the employee who was hurt or became ill on the job. Therefore, it is beneficial to both the employer and the employee to have this insurance already in place and available in case it is needed.
To Post Worker's Compensation Information in an Area Where All Employees See It
It is also the responsibility of the employer to post information about worker's compensation and the employee's legal rights in a common area where it can be easily seen. This allows the employee to copy down this information and carry it with them in case they need to contact the worker's compensation carrier at a time when a supervisor is not available.
This information should include the contact info, the benefits and the process of requesting treatment for a work related injury or illness. Usually this information is posted in a break room or near the time clock at the workplace where it can be easily viewed. This same information must also be provided for new employees at the time of hire.
To Provide Worker's Compensation Claim Forms
The employer must also provide the employee with all necessary paperwork needed for filing a worker's compensation claim. These forms should be provided within 24 hours after the injury or illness occurred. Many employers also provide workers with a pamphlet that plainly states the rights of an employee and all information needed to file the worker's compensation claim properly.
While some employers may think they are saving money by not carrying worker's compensation insurance, this is not the case at all. If an employee sues an employer for not providing this insurance, the employer may be ordered to pay a large lump sum of money to the employee to cover all expenses incurred by the injury or illness.
If you've been injured on the job and don't feel like you're getting the worker's compensation benefits you're entitled to, consider contacting a lawyer like Robert W. Sebera, PC for help with your case.