Being injured on the job can happen instantly. When running a small business, employers and employees need to be aware of this chance, and what to do after the fact. Front and center for employees will be claiming worker’s compensation benefits, as that will help them manage until they can work again.
Almost every state has workers’ compensation benefits as a requirement for employers. If you work for a small business make sure that you know about these missteps so that, if something should happen, you’re able to easily claim your workers’ compensation benefits.
What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
In case an accident on the job occurs, workers’ compensation insurance (also referred to as employers liability insurance) covers your medical expenses and missed wages.
The small businesses will have applied for their workers’ compensation insurance and small business insurance policies when first hiring employees, which then allows employees to claim the benefits.
According to the U.S Department of Labor, “specific groups who are injured at work or acquire an occupational disease” can claim the benefits. These benefits can include:
- Wage replacement benefits
- Medical treatment
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Other benefits, dependent on the company itself
However, if an employee does not meet certain steps, they decrease their chances of claiming the Small Business Insurance policies.
Common Problems Faced When Claiming Benefits
Employees and business owners alike should both be aware of these missteps. This then enables them to know what to look out for, and what to avoid, should their employee wants to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
1. Failing to report the injury within a timely manner
The usual range for claiming an injury is between one to three years after the injury. If the employee fails to report this injury within the timeframe then he may not be approved for the benefits. A few states have longer time ranges to claim the benefits.
2. Not keeping accurate or detailed records
When reporting an injury, you will need a detailed account of what occurred before and after the incident. This report will be sent with the claim and aid in increasing your chance of acceptance for small business insurance.
3. Not seeking treatment
You should seek treatment, such as visiting a doctor, after your workplace injury has occurred. The faster you see a doctor, the better. The benefits in the workplace policies cover your medical bills, which include treatment options.
4. No witnesses/footage to prove you were harmed
During the claim process, you will need to provide evidence that the injury took place during the job. This can take the form of building surveillance cameras or other people who were on the scene when the injury took place.
5. The claim was filed after the employee was fired, quit, or laid off
To claim the benefits, employees must still be working at the company that they acquired the injury from. Employers should be aware that firing an employee due to injuries sustained while they were employed under you could result in legal action from that employee.
6. The injury is from a pre-existing condition
If an employee has a pre-existing condition and they apply for the benefits for the condition, they will not be accepted. Workers’ compensation policies are only for work-related injuries.
7. The injury was due to roughhousing or a practical joke
Employees who do not do their job, and instead acquire an injury in a manner that is not related to the job, but was on the property of the company, will not be accepted for the workers’ comp policies.
Final Thoughts About Workers’ Compensation
If you avoid these missteps, you’ll greatly improve your chances of claiming workers’ compensation from your employer’s small business insurance.
If you’re interested in learning more about workers’ compensation insurance, get in touch with Bethany Insurance to see how our team of expert agents can help your restaurant find the right insurance policies that can give you extra support and peace of mind.
