Every job comes with a degree of risk. Retail workers can end up hurt in an attempted robbery or injured when items fall off of shelves. Office workers can end up injured by electrical exposure or repetitive stress.
When an incident occurs on the job or a worker gets diagnosed with a medical condition related to their employment, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation can provide medical coverage for those with work-acquired medical issues. Workers may also be eligible for disability benefits if they have to take time off of work to recover or undergo treatment.
Some employees hope to be eligible for workers’ compensation but may be uncertain about whether or not their employers offer workers’ compensation coverage. When does a business in Georgia need to invest in workers’ compensation insurance?
Most companies have to carry coverage
Georgia’s regulations regarding workers’ compensation coverage are relatively straightforward. Businesses with three or more regular employees typically need to invest in workers’ compensation coverage. Those employees do not even need to work a full-time schedule. Three part-time workers are enough to make an employer subject to workers’ compensation rules. In theory, that coverage is a worthwhile investment for the company. Workers’ compensation helps indemnify the business against liability. Employers don’t have to worry about workers bringing lawsuits over on-the-job injuries when they carry workers’ compensation coverage.
How workers claim benefits
The claims process for workers’ compensation usually begins with a worker reporting an injury to their employer. They also need to notify the healthcare professionals providing their care of the origins of their injuries. Workers’ compensation can potentially cover the full cost of necessary medical treatment. If the physician overseeing the worker’s care recommends time away from work to recover or light-duty job responsibilities, disability benefits to replace lost or reduced wages may be available. The vast majority of employees work for companies that have at least two other staff members, which means that they may be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage if they get hurt on the job.
Remember, if your employer and/or their Workers’ Compensation Insurance seems difficult, dismissive confusing or lackadaisical about the Workers’ Compensation process after you report being injured at work, don’t just wait and think they are going to all of a sudden care later on. Reach out to an attorney immediately so your rights are protected, you know how to proceed, and you have the best chances of having a solid strong case.
And even if you have not had a specific injury, but you feel like the physical difficulties of your job is responsible for your condition, report it in a clear manner to your employer that you think your physical pain and health problems are related to the physical duties of your job, and you want this reported to your employer’s Workers’ Comp insurance’s attention.
Those anticipating a complicated claims process because of a costly injury may want to learn more about workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding the basics of the program can help workers feel more confident about requesting benefits when they must take time away from work or undergo treatment for a medical challenge caused by their employment.