What You Need To Know About Comp Insurance

Introduction

Workers comp insurance is insurance that provides for a worker who is injured on the job. It provides for both missed time at work due to injury and for any medical bills that the worker may incur. This compensation is provided by most employers. There are some circumstances where it is not provided, such as in a temporary job, and in situations where the worker is a contract employee. It is important for all employees to check with their employers on the workers compensation plan. Injuries can happen anywhere, but especially when you are on the job. Some jobs carry greater risks than others. Having a clear idea of your company's workers comp insurance regulations can save you a lot of aggravation later on. Once you are injured, this is not the time to find out!

It is important to know the rules and regulations behind workers comp insurance. Not all injuries are covered. This insurance is racked with fraud cases every year. Often people who truly need the compensation are denied and they in turn end up having to a get a lawyer.

History

England was the first country to pass workers comp insurance laws. In 1897, England passed the law to protect its workers from injury and sickness from no fault of their own. It wasn't until 1908 that the United States passed the same workers comp insurance laws. Once the United States passed the laws on workers comp, each state begin to adopt their own version to satisfy the law requirement. Even today, the workers comp insurance laws vary from state to state.

Before these laws were enacted, employees who became injured or ill, had to sue their employer. This was normally a lengthy process and for the most part, the employer did eventually lose. Many people grew tired of the long wait for their cases to be resolved and just gave up. The workers comp insurance laws gave injured employees a voice and a protection in the workplace. It was a much needed law.

Filing a Claim

If you become injured or ill due to work, you must immediately file a claim with your employer. The longer that you wait, the harder your case will be to win. You will need to file an employee claim file stating how and when your injury occured. An investigation will then begin. You must know also, that you will be drug tested once your claim has been filed. This is to protect the company's interests to be sure that you were not injured due to drug influence. This is a standard part of the workers comp insurance protocol.

Many employers do try to fight these claims. If you feel your case will be challenged by your company, it may be in your best interest to seek the help of a workers comp attorney. Most of these attorneys will begin your case with no money from you. You will only pay the lawyer if you win your case. Checking with a good lawyer is often the best route to take in these cases.

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