If you are injured or get an illness while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in 2021. This is alarming, noting cases in the public sector and fatal ones were not included.
Employers should provide a safe workplace, but some fail to do so. This puts the lives and health of workers at risk. This guide highlights parties that can file for a workers’ compensation claim.
An employee injured at work
You should be an employee to receive workers’ compensation benefits when you are injured or get a health condition in the line of duty. Thus, independent contractors may not be covered by this insurance.
Report your injury or illness to your employer to forward the claim to the insurance company. Note that your employer or the insurer may argue that your condition is not work-related. For this reason, it will help to report sooner and in writing.
Besides, get medical attention. This helps you discover and treat potential long-term conditions earlier. Further, medical records can be used as evidence of your injury or illness.
A dependent of an affected employee
If your loved one dies while working, perhaps due to a severe workplace accident or a work-related illness becoming serious, you may file a workers’ compensation claim. The insurer may cover funeral and burial expenses and, in some cases, lost wages.
Workers’ compensation protects employees and their loved ones. If you are eligible for the insurance’s benefits, you should file a claim. However, it may not be easy to get fair compensation. Thus, consider getting professional guidance to make informed decisions, increasing the chances of claim approval.