What Is Workers Comp?

Workers' comp, or workers' compensation, is a special insurance program your employer pays for that gives you medical care and cash benefits if you become disabled due to an injury or illness. All companies are required to comply with the Workers' Compensation Law. Workers' comp also provides cash benefits to your surviving dependents and spouse if death occurs.

Your Responsibilities

If you become hurt or ill due to your job, you should first seek medical care. Inform the hospital or doctor's office that your issue is work-related. Your information will then be sent to the state insurance fund. Contact the accident reporting system. As soon as you can, you should notify your employer of the situation and provide them with your medical provider's name, address and phone number. Save all paper documentations you receive, such as receipts and medical reports.

Employer Responsibilities

Your employer is responsible for many things, such as assisting you in receiving proper medical treatment when immediate treatment is required, assisting you in filing an accident report, complying with the requests of the workers' compensation board, and submitting the necessary forms to the proper places. Your employer must also advise you of your rights and responsibilities.

Benefits

Workers' comp will pay for all of your medical care, such as dental, prescribed medicines, treatments, surgeries, X-rays, laboratory testing and the repair or replacement of surgical supplies. Workers' compensation also pays for any continued treatments that you may need during your recovery process as well as negotiated wages or cash benefits that are decided during a court hearing.

Wages

Wages that can be replaced are determined by a negotiated agreement and vary by state. Some wage replacements can include statutory benefits which provide up to two-thirds of your weekly pay. Other wage replacements only pay up to $400 a week. Every situation is negotiated and handled differently. You may even be able to receive up to six months of full pay during your recovery process.

Social Security

In the event that you become permanently disabled, you may be qualified to receive monthly Social Security payments. You must be covered by the Federal Social Security Act in order to receive payments. The amount of the payments are determined by various factors, including the severity of your disability.

Resources

• Workers Compensation
• U.S. Department of Labor