Worker’s comp intends to enforce mutually beneficial cooperation between employers and employees. The goal is to minimize and, ideally, prevent backlash that occurs from workplace accidents. Accidents happen on the job, so having a system that encourages cooperation can reduce the consequences and, therefore, is beneficial for employers and employees.
Worker’s comp is a legal requirement in most states. The laws protect the employee and employer, no matter who is to blame. The employee receives medical, financial, and disability accommodations; the employer is safeguarded against related lawsuits.
To ensure you get the coverage you need, get the basics covered. You can acquire an accurate premium estimation by considering the location, the field of work, established payroll, and claims history. From there, you may move forward or continue looking elsewhere for worker’s comp insurance coverage. Read on to learn more about worker’s comp and how it protects your business and your employees.
Why Worker’s Comp Insurance Was Established
Before worker’s comp insurance, conflict was common when work injuries occurred. Workers had to fight for their rights to compensation and accommodations. These legal battles were often drawn out and poorly served everyone involved. Most of the time, employees did not receive adequate pay if they even received a settlement.
How Laws Are Decided
The state regulates worker’s comp insurance, and the laws are altered at times, as they’ve always been since the 1900s. Worker’s comp operates under no-fault laws whereby employers and employees are equally protected. The concept behind a no-fault law is that employees are granted compensation for injury without the need to prove fault. The only exceptions are:
- if the employee was injured due to being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of the injury
- if the injury was with the intent to harm themselves or another
An employer acknowledges the injured employee’s needs and is protected against related lawsuits. Additionally, the benefits that employees receive through worker’s comp insurance fall under the “exclusive remedy” which indicates that employees cannot sue their employer to obtain additional benefits.
What Are The Benefits?
The Employee Benefits
- Employees receive financial protection after a worksite injury through worker’s comp insurance.
- Employees can receive financial recovery in wages lost and additional accommodations to care for medical needs and other necessities brought on by the work injury.
The Employer Benefits
- Employers benefit from protection against getting sued by employees for a job site injury.
- Employers, therefore, are protected by paying for an employee’s injury out of pocket.
- With worker’s comp, the employer is protected from being held liable and vulnerable to fines and imprisonment. The employer’s protection is as good as the coverage obtained, which is why finding the best plan is essential.
Get Solid Coverage And Stay Protected
As long as the employer has a solid coverage plan, worker’s comp insurance benefits both the employer and the employee. Enforced cooperation keeps both parties in good standing and capable of moving forward after an injury occurs, regardless of who is to blame.
