Workers’ Compensation refers to a workers’ compensation system. It is a government-run insurance program designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured or fall ill as a result of work-related activities.
These benefits may include payment of medical expenses, compensation for loss of income, and other benefits related to work-related injuries or illnesses. The purpose is to assist workers in recovering and returning to work safely, while also protecting employers from civil lawsuits related to work-related injuries.
Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that offers monetary benefits and/or medical assistance to employees who sustain injuries or fall ill directly due to their job responsibilities.
Employers cover the costs of this insurance, and they are not allowed to require employees to contribute to the compensation expenses. The employer’s insurance carrier is responsible for disbursing weekly cash benefits and covering medical expenses, following guidelines set by the Workers’ Compensation Board, a state agency responsible for handling claims. If intervention by the Board becomes necessary, it will decide whether the insurer should reimburse for cash benefits and/or medical care, along with determining the appropriate amounts.
In a workers’ compensation scenario, no party is assigned blame. The compensation received by a claimant is not reduced based on the claimant’s negligence, nor is it increased due to the employer’s fault. However, a worker forfeits the right to workers’ compensation if the injury results solely from drug or alcohol intoxication or an intention to harm oneself or others.
Payment of a claim is contingent on the agreement of the employer or insurance carrier that the injury or illness is work-related. If there is a dispute, no cash benefits are provided until a judge in the workers’ compensation system decides on the matter. If a worker is not receiving benefits due to the employer or insurance carrier asserting that the injury is not work-related, the worker may qualify for disability benefits during that period. Nonetheless, any payments received under the Disability Program will be deducted from future workers’ compensation awards.
If you can return to work but your injury hinders you from earning your previous wages, you may be eligible for a benefit covering two-thirds of the wage difference. It’s also possible to resume work in a lighter or alternative capacity before achieving full recovery.
Workers Compensation benefits
- Medical Expense Coverage: Coverage is provided for necessary medical expenses related to the treatment of work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Income Replacement: Employees may receive compensation for lost wages while incapacitated to work due to a work-related injury.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: In some cases, vocational rehabilitation programs are offered to assist employees in returning to work after an injury.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: In situations where the injury results in permanent disability, workers may receive additional benefits.
- Death Compensation: In cases of death due to a work-related injury, family members may receive death compensation benefits.
The information provided is a general overview of the workers’ compensation program. If you need detailed information based on the state you are in, please contact us (602) 254-1977.
References: New york state
