Construction workers often encounter traumatic and dangerous conditions on a job site. While some injuries are expected, most conscientious contractors strive for an accident-free environment.
However, workers can suffer debilitating injuries and even death when accidents occur on the job. Since these jobs tend to be physically demanding, construction workers could sustain an injury at any time. So, here are a few things construction workers need to know about worker’s compensation:
It’s not just for mishaps on the worksite.
It’s important to know that Worker’s Compensation is not just for mishaps on the worksite because it can be a valuable resource for employees who get injured off the job.
Employers are responsible for providing Worker’s Comp insurance for their employees, including injuries sustained while commuting to work. So, for example, if you’re a delivery driver who gets into an accident on your way to your first client of the day, you can still claim under your company’s policy.
The same applies if you have an accident while traveling to or from a conference or training event. And even if you’re not in any vehicle, just go out for a walk and get hurt—if it happened while you were on company time and doing something related to your job—you still have coverage through Workman’s Compensation.
It does not cover costs due to negligence.
While you are able to claim for things when you’re not on the worksite, it doesn’t mean that it will cover everything. Worker’s compensation does not cover costs due to negligence. This means that if you were injured at work because of another person’s actions or inaction, your employer might be able to deny your claim because it was not their fault or negligence—and, therefore, would not be covered under worker’s compensation.
Limits what you can sue for in court
Worker’s Compensation can limit what you can sue for in court because it is a form of insurance. It is designed to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses due to an injury. It also helps to provide emotional support and counseling for injured workers.
However, Worker’s Compensation cannot compensate you for pain and suffering or any other non-economic damages you may have incurred from the accident. This is why many people will choose to sue their employer in court instead of going through Worker’s Compensation since suing their employer may allow them to receive these additional types of damages.
You must report any injury as soon as possible.
You should report any injury as soon as possible for Worker’s Compensation because it is your right. You also want to ensure the law protects you in case of further complications.
Working in a dangerous environment like construction workers can lead to injuries, and you want to ensure that you are protected if such an accident occurs. In addition, if a worker has a pre-existing condition and sustains an injury on the job, the worker can be eligible for compensation through Worker’s Compensation.
Benefits are tax-free to the injured worker.
The tax-free nature of worker’s compensation benefits is a remnant of how construction worker’s compensation was first created. When workers began to receive benefits, they were not taxed because they were considered part of the employee’s salary and, therefore, should not be taxed. In modern times, this has been changed to allow injured workers to receive their benefits without taxing them. This can also help employers who are interested in support such as erc tax credit.
You get a list of doctors who treat workers comp injuries.
Workers get a list of doctors treating workers’ comp injuries because their employers must have them. The state usually maintains the list, and it is updated regularly. The contents of the list may vary from state to state, but they will usually include the names of a wide variety of doctors who specialize in treating workers with injuries.
A referral is when a doctor who isn’t affiliated with the employer’s network agrees to treat an employee who has been injured on the job. If a doctor agrees to be referred, they will typically send their patients a list of recommended specialists, and other doctors in their area who they feel are best suited to treat the particular injury.
Denied claims can be appealed.
Worker’s compensation denied claims could be appealed because the employer is not required to pay for all medical expenses and lost wages that are related to an injury. Some states allow employers to offer their employees a choice between receiving worker’s compensation or taking out a private insurance policy for the same purpose. If an employee chooses to take out a private insurance policy, then they must pay for any medical expenses or lost wages that are not covered by worker’s compensation.
If you are still determining what kind of evidence would be helpful to your claim, it is best to speak with an attorney about your case. An experienced attorney can help guide you through this process and ensure that your appeals are successful.
