Construction & Contractors Blog
As an employee, you entrust your employer with your safety and well-being every day. Regrettably, unforeseen mishaps can occur at any given moment. Hence, it is of utmost importance to be well-versed in your entitlements and obligations concerning workman's compensation. Workman's compensation laws are in place to protect employees who are injured on the job, and understanding the details of these laws can make all the difference if you ever need to make a claim. This post will cover what every employee needs to know about workman's compensation so you can stay safe and informed on the job.
Your Rights to Medical Treatment
If you are injured on the job, your employer is responsible for covering medical expenses related to that injury. This includes any necessary surgery, medication, physical therapy, or other treatments recommended by your doctor. You have the right to choose your healthcare provider in most cases, provided they are approved by your employer or their insurance company. It's important to keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injury, as they will be used as part of your claim.
Your Rights to Wage Replacement
If you are unable to work due to a work-related injury, you may be entitled to wage replacement benefits. These benefits will help cover any lost wages due to your injury and can be paid out over a period of time. Your benefits will be based on both the severity of your injury and your pre-injury salary. In cases of permanent disability, you may be eligible for extra benefits.
Your Rights to Job Protection
Your employer cannot terminate you for filing a workman's compensation claim or for being injured on the job. They also cannot deny you job retraining or rehire you only for a lower-paying job. If your injury leads to long-term or permanent disabilities, your employer might have to modify your job responsibilities to accommodate your needs.
Your Responsibilities in Reporting Injuries
It's essential to report any work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible. You may need to fill out forms and provide details about the incident, including names of witnesses and the location of the injury. Reporting an injury promptly can help ensure that you receive prompt medical attention and compensation, and it also protects your employer from any false or fraudulent claims.
Your Responsibilities in Filing Claims
Once you've reported your injury to your employer, you may need to file a claim with your state's workman's compensation board. This claim will need to include all relevant medical records, bills, receipts, and other documentation. Your employer may be required to file this claim on your behalf, or you may need to file it yourself. It's crucial to understand your state's specific requirements and deadlines for filing claims.
As an employee, knowledge is power when it comes to a workman's compensation. Gaining knowledge about medical treatment entitlements, wage replacement, job protection, and your obligations in reporting injuries and filing claims is crucial. This understanding will ensure that if you ever sustain a work-related injury, you receive fair treatment and appropriate compensation. If you have any questions about workman's compensation in your state, it's always best to consult a professional or your state's workman's compensation board.
Share11 October 2023
Have you ever driven past a large building that was still under construction? You may have stopped for a moment and admired the steel trusses and the heavy concrete blocks used to form and support such a large architectural creation. Here's a secret: construction workers do the same. Workers in this industry never cease to be amazed at what they can create from seemingly boring materials. Concrete turns into a school. Steel turns into a doctor's office. It really is incredible. You may not feel quite as amazed as you read about construction on this blog, but if you get at least a fraction of that wondered, amused feeling, we will be satisfied.
