Understanding Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a program that provides insurance coverage for employees who are injured on the job. No one should feel unsafe at work, and if you are injured, you deserve to have your expenses paid for. Consider these facts about workers’ compensation to find out if you are eligible. It can be a huge help if you ever find yourself needing it.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must be an employee of a company that carries this type of insurance. Before you accept a job, you should ask if this is something that the company has. This is especially important if you work in an inherently dangerous field, although injuries can happen in any workplace at any time.

What Type of Injuries Are Covered?

Workers’ compensation only covers injuries that are sustained at your place of work. These injuries can occur as a result of ineffective safety regulations or improper training on equipment use. In some cases, chronic work injuries may be considered, although filing a claim for these may prove more challenging. The person filing the claim must be able to prove that the injury occurred as a direct result of work conditions.

How Do I File a Claim?

In most states, there is a timely filing stipulation on workers’ compensation claims, so you should file your claim as soon as you are able. After the incident occurs, you should inform your supervisor at work. You should ask that a written report is made. An Iowa workers compensation lawyer can help you determine what you need to file your claim.

Being injured on the job can be a scary thing, but there are tools in place that can help you get the compensation that you need. In this situation, remember that proper documentation is key.