Employers are required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance in case their workers get injured. If workers get hurt on the job, these benefits can pay for their medical bills and lost wages. However, many people do not give these benefits much thought until they actually need them.
Here are some common myths about workers' compensation you should not believe.
If the Accident Was Your Fault, You Aren't Eligible for Benefits
This is one of the most common misconceptions about workers' compensation. Even if you got injured due to your own carelessness, you can still receive workers' compensation benefits. However, if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol during your accident, you will not be eligible for benefits.
Seeking Workers' Compensation Benefits Can Get You Terminated
Unfortunately, some employees do not even attempt to apply for workers' compensation because they are afraid of termination. However, it is against the law for an employer to fire workers for filing for workers' compensation. If your employer is threatening to terminate you over seeking benefits, you should speak to a lawyer promptly.
You Have to Get Injured at the Workplace to Get Benefits
To be eligible for workers' compensation, you don't have to endure an injury at your job site. For instance, if your place of employment requires you to drive a vehicle, you can file for workers' compensation if you get into a car accident.
Workers' Compensation Covers All of Your Losses
Another common myth about workers' compensation is that it covers all the damages you endured from your work accident. However, these benefits only cover medical bills and lost wages. You won't be able to receive compensation for emotional trauma or pain and suffering.
Hiring a Workers' Compensation Lawyer Costs Big Bucks
Some workers opt out of hiring a worker's compensation lawyer because they think they can't afford the services. However, most of these lawyers charge a contingency fee. Instead of asking for money upfront, they will take a percentage of your settlement at the end of your case. If you happen to lose your case for any reason, your lawyer will not charge you any money.
As you can see, there are a lot of misconceptions about workers' compensation going around. If you were injured at work, you should consider getting in touch with a local workers compensation lawyer promptly. They can help you file a timely claim.
Share28 January 2021
Getting hurt while on the job can leave you in pain and without an income for some time afterward, but that doesn't mean that you have to start going to the food banks to make ends meet. Working with a lawyer to file a personal injury case (if the injury was due to neglect by another party) is a great way to get compensation you deserve for lost work, and to get your medical bills paid so you don't have to pay out of pocket for high deductibles. This website was built with love to provide you with up-to-date information you can use when working with a lawyer, filing paperwork, and dealing with all of the hoops and red tape of your personal injury case. Hopefully you can find the support you need right here.