What Is Workman's Comp?

Workman's comp is a form of insurance created by the legal system to protect injured workers. Under the Workers Compensation Act, someone injured on the job may be entitled to lost wages, medical care and indemnity benefits.

History

Wisconsin passed the first worker's compensation law in 1911. By 1948, every state had laws establishing worker's compensation rights for employees.

Function

In the event of a work-related accident, the employee may need costly ongoing medical care. Worker's compensation will pay most of the bills for approved claims.

Considerations

Most states have a 30-day time frame for the worker to file a worker's compensation claim. If the claim is not submitted by this deadline, there is a chance it could be denied.

Geography

Every state has regulations regarding worker's compensation benefits. An injured person would need to check the guidelines where he or she lives.

Warning

Drug and alcohol abuse on the job could be reasons to deny an individual's claim. The worker's compensation injury may also be hard to prove if there were not any witnesses to the incident.

Prevention/Solution

When an employee has an accident and cannot reach an agreement with the adjuster handling his or her claim, the employee may want to consult a worker's compensation attorney.

References

• Workers Compensation Service Center
• Workers Compensation Research
• U.S. Department of Labor