The company that employs you pays for workers’ compensation coverage for you and everyone else that works there. If you get hurt at work or acquire a medical condition related to your job, you can claim benefits.
Workers can potentially receive disability benefits if they can’t work and medical benefits for their treatment through workers’ compensation. This coverage helps ensure that your employer doesn’t have direct liability for any injuries or illnesses that workers develop. Still, they must pay a premium based on their risk and prior claims.
If you already have health insurance through your employer and don’t intend to miss work, you might think you don’t need to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, there are a few benefits of doing so.
You eliminate your financial responsibilities.
When you use your health insurance to pay for your care, you pay certain costs yourself. Your insurance company may have deductibles, co-pays, and even coinsurance, requiring that you pay a flat percentage of all of your medical bills. A broken arm or physical therapy could mean that you have to pay hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars for your treatment.
If you receive workers’ compensation coverage, you can count on 100% coverage for your necessary medical care. You won’t have any out-of-pocket costs. If the doctor determines that you aren’t in a position to work until you heal, you can seek disability benefits until you return to work.
Additionally, filing a workers’ compensation claim protects you from retaliation. You can ask your employer to accommodate your condition, making it easier for you to stay at work while undergoing treatment. Learning more about how workers’ compensation functions can help you understand the benefits of filing a claim.