Workers Compensation in San Rafael, Oakland and Throughout Napa Valley
If an employee gets injured during the scope of their employment, they may have medical bills from treatment and could miss time from work. Having workers’ compensation insurance is one of the best ways to take care of your employees if they experience a work-related injury or illness.
Various expenses due to an illness or injury while working are covered by workers’ compensation. Coverage includes payments for medical expenses, wage loss benefits, death/dependency benefits and vocational rehabilitation. Each type of benefit pays differently, and payment varies based on the state in which the work-related injury or illness occurred.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Work?
If an employee is injured or ill due to a work-related event or exposure, they must immediately report it to their supervisor. The employer must adhere to the following to comply:
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Provide coverage for their employees and are held liable for all injuries suffered by employees while they are on the job (with the exception of employers residing in the state of Texas).
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Pay premiums and provide the carrier with audit payroll numbers.
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Provide a safe environment.
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Notify the insurance carrier as soon as possible after an injury.
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Investigate injuries.
Workers’ compensation laws vary by state and employers are required to follow the state’s unique laws. An employee can only receive the benefits from this insurance if their injury or illness occurred due to an event or exposure within the workplace. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. Injuries caused by the following are covered:
What Are the Four Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
There are four main types of workers’ compensation benefits offered in most states. These include the following:
Medical Benefits
If an employee becomes sick or injured due to their job, workers’ compensation insurance can help pay for medical treatment. Insurance can help cover the following costs:
Sometimes care is needed to continue recovery. These costs are typically covered as well, but some types of alternative care aren’t always accepted. Check with your insurance agent at Muzio & Rovero Insurance Services, Inc. to see what’s covered under your policy.
Wage-loss Benefits
A work-related injury or illness can leave an employee unable to work or limit their capacity to work for a significant period of time. If the event of such, workers’ compensation insurance provides the following wage-loss benefits for the employee:
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Temporary partial disability—The employee can work at a reduced capacity due to physical limitations without needing time off.
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Permanent total disability—The employee is completely unable to work and unable to return to their previous role.
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Permanent partial disability—The employee can return to work, but they are unable to work at the same capacity as before the injury.
Individual states have their own unique wage-loss limits. Workers’ compensation insurance wage-loss benefits can help the employee supplement lost income until they’re able to return to work in full capacity or until the employee hits the wage-loss benefit limit.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Workers’ compensation can provide an employee with vocational rehabilitation benefits to help them return to a job that is compatible with their physician-issued work restrictions. Vocational therapy can help employees learn new skills and return to work in a new position if they’re unable to perform their previous role after being injured.
Death/Dependent Benefits
In unfortunate circumstances, an employee may lose their life due to work-related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover funeral expenses and lost income up to a certain limit. In most cases, these benefits go to the spouse or dependents of the deceased.
Do I Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
In most states, workers’ compensation insurance is required by law. Without coverage, your business could be at high financial risk if it needs to pay for injuries out of pocket. Your business could also face fines for not carrying workers’ compensation insurance. Some states allow employees to sue businesses that do not have workers’ compensation in civil court, or employees might be able to collect money from a state fund.
Workers’ compensation coverage not only protects your employees but your business as well. If covered by workers’ compensation insurance, an employee cannot sue you or your business in civil court.
Contact Us Today!
Muzio & Rovero Insurance Services, Inc is a 4th generation family-owned and -operated insurance agency dedicated to providing quality insurance solutions to clients. Contact us today to talk with an agent about workers’ compensation coverage options!
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