Workers Compensation FAQs
Frequently Asked Workers Comp Questions
Here you will find answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about Workers Compensation.
What is a Posting Notice?
A posting notice is a form, which contains the insurance company's name, p0olicy number, policy term and employer name. It is required to be placed in a prominent location on the employer's premises. Not posting the notice properly may result in costly fines. Their purpose is to provide employees with the necessary insurance information should they sustain an injury an need to file a workers compensation claim.
When should I report a claim?
Report the claims immediately. If an employee is injured or suspects that they've contracted a work-related illness or disease instruct your employees to notify someone whether it is a supervisor, manager or Human Resources Department. Provide the necessary on the spot medical care and contact the workers compensation carrier. Once the initial notification is made, any subsequent forms or additional information may be forwarded afterwards. The important thing is to provide immediate care and notify the carrier of the claim so they can create a claim file and begin the process.
What about out of pocket medical expenses?
The workers compensation policy is intended to cover expenses related to the injury/disease. If your employee incurred out of pocket expenses as a result of the injury, submit they may be submitted to the insurance carrier for reimbursement.
When does an employee know they are covered for a claim?
Upon submitting a workers compensation claim, follow up with the insurance company for an acknowledgement. Confirm that the information they have recorded is correct.
How much will an employee be compensated for injury?
The amount of compensation is determined by the state and type of injury/illness/disability. There are various categories under which an injured employee may fall. Payment is assessed by the injury and the disability category. Below is an example of some of the injury categories. For more detailed information, contact your state's workers compensation board.
- Temporary Total Disability - As a result of a work related injury, the employee is unable to secure substantial gainful employment for a period of time. Generally the reimbursement is 2/3 of the employee's actual wages at the time of injury subject to state mandated maximums.
- Permanent Total Disability - As a result of a work related injury, an employee is completely incapable of working at any type of substantial or gainful employment. Usually involves the loss of limbs or eyes, paralysis
- Permanent Partial Scheduled Disability: As a result of a work related injury, an employee sustains complete or partial loss of use of a body part. Each state has a schedule of payment depending on the extent of the partial disability.
- Permanent Partial General Disability: As a result of a work related injury, an employee sustains permanent partial disability that is not addressed under scheduled disability.
Does the injury have to occur on the job?
No, as long as the injury is a work related injury. If, for example, your employee attends a work related social function and they sustain an injury, the workers compensation policy will respond.
Can my employee sue my company as a result of the injury?
Yes, but if the employee elects to file a suit, they must forfeit their workers compensation benefits. They have a choice of either accepting the benefits as offered under the workers compensation portion of the policy or filing a suit and suing under the employer's liability section of the policy. They may not do both.
