What Makes You Eligible for Workman’s Comp Insurance?

While working at the local grocery store, you slip, fall, and break your leg! Next thing you know, you could find yourself swimming in expensive medical bills with no way to pay them.

Luckily, there is another option. Workmans comp insurance will protect you in the event of serious injury on-the-job.

But how does workers’ comp insurance work? What qualifies you for coverage? And how much will it cost you?

This guide will answer all the most commonly asked questions. So, next time you’re injured on the job, you’ll know what’s covered.

What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ comp insurance protects employees in the event of work-related illness or injury. Workers’ comp insurance protects employers and employees from devastating medical costs.

Workers’ compensation insurance goes by many names. These include workers comp, workman’s compensation insurance, and workman’s comp.

Workers’ comp covers the medical expenses of injured employees. It also covers potential damages that the business owner might face, as well.

Workers’ comp protects employees. It also makes sure comp claims do not get out of hand for the employer.

What Is Covered Under Workmans Comp Insurance?

Workman’s comp coverage is pretty broad. Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, any injury or illness caused by a work-related incident is eligible for benefits.

Workers’ compensation insurance will cover lost wages, medical expenses, ongoing care costs, and even funeral expenses.

What’s Not Covered?

There are a couple of situations in which workman’s comp insurance will not provide coverage. Even if these happen at a workplace, they will not be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Examples of such situations include:

• Injuries from a fight started by an employee

• Injuries sustained because of employee intoxication

• Intentional injuries

• Emotional injuries that do not include physical symptoms

How Much Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

In the state of Illinois, employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance. Employees are not responsible for the payment of workers’ comp benefits. That responsibility falls solely on the employer or business owner.

For business owners, the cost of your workers’ compensation benefits may vary. The variance depends on the size of your business, type of work, number of risks, and a few other factors.

How Do I File a Workers’ Comp Claim?

It is key to file your workers’ comp claim as soon as possible after an injury. Report workplace injuries and illnesses if:

• The injured person is an employee

• Job-related duties cause the injury/illness

• The employee injury occurs in the workplace

The employer must ensure that the employee receives the proper medical attention at the time of injury. Employers should alert an ambulance or take employees to the emergency room if needed. Additionally, employers should approve any time off for injury recovery.

If you wish to file a claim, you’ll need to gather some information. Information you might need includes:

• Company Insurance Information, including account location and number, policy number

• Injured Employee Information, including Social Security number, name, date of birth, etc

• Incident Details, including date of the incident, cause of injury, recovery time, etc.

After collecting this information, it is pivotal to file the claim with your insurance company as soon as you can. In Illinois, the employee has 45 days to report the accident to their employer, either orally or in writing.

If you have any questions, contact a workers comp attorney. Whether you are an employer or employee, contact the Lawler Brown Law Firm in the event of a workers’ comp claim. This lawyer group can help ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

What Are the Requirements for Receiving Workmans Comp Benefits?

For employees to receive workman’s comp benefits, they must meet a few requirements. Injury alone does not entitle you to these benefits. Requirements include:

Classification as an Employee

In most cases, only those workers classified as actual employees will receive benefits.

This means contractors, freelancers, and volunteers are usually ineligible for workman’s comp benefits. Business owners and sole proprietors are also exempt from workers’ comp coverage.

Employees can be full- or part-time. You don’t have to be eligible for other benefits, such as a 401(k), to be eligible for workman’s comp. If you receive a W2 form from your employer during tax season, you are likely an employee.

Employer Must Be Insured

Before you’re hired, make sure your employer is insured with workers’ compensation insurance. It is a requirement in the state of Illinois for all employers with more than one employee.

If your employer is not covered with workman’s comp protection, you will not be eligible for benefits.

Must Be a Work-Related Injury

When unrelated to your work, injuries and illnesses will receive no coverage. Your work or workplace condition must be the cause of all workers’ comp injuries.

Workers’ compensation covers all accidents that happen on the job. Injuries caused by repetitive motion as related to the job duties are also covered. Additionally, illnesses related to workplace conditions are also covered.

You Must Meet Reporting Deadlines

Injuries reported to the employer beyond the 45-day window are not covered in the state of Illinois. Reporting your injury in writing is always preferred.
Always do your research, take notes, and keep detailed records as they relate to your injury.

You Must Attend All Required Medical Appointments

This is pretty self-explanatory. Employers are always on the lookout for fraudulent workman’s comp claims. If you file a claim, you must attend all medical appointments, treatments, and examinations.

Keep detailed records during appointments. These will ensure that you receive full compensation and benefits for your recovery.

Protect Your Business and Your Employees With Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workmans comp insurance is vital for any successful business. And, if you’re an employee it pays to know just what benefits you’re eligible for in the event of an emergency.

Review our Personal Injury section to learn more about your options. When accidents happen, it helps to know you’re covered.