Understanding the Basics – What does worker’s compensation cover?
Workers' compensation laws cover work-related injury or illness. There is some grey area though considering that the injury or illness does not necessarily have to occur in the workplace. This means that as long as the injury or illness is job-related, it's covered. For example, an employee would be covered if he or she was injured while traveling for work or even attending a business-related social function.
What doesn’t it cover?
- Off the job injuries
- Self inflicted injuries
- Injuries resulting from a person being intoxicated with alcohol or drugs
- Injuries resulting from a fight started by another employee
- Felony related incidents
- Any claims made after the employee is fired or laid off
- Independent contractors
Employers in all 50 states have the responsibility to provide workers’ compensation coverage according to their respective state’s laws and regulations.
According to the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board, employers have the following rights:
- The right to request that the insurance carrier contest the claim.
- The right to attend any hearings related to a claim filed.
- The right to electronically access the Board's case file for a claim filed by the employer's worker by visiting one of the Board's customer service centers.
- The right to participate in the hearing and present relevant evidence about disputed issues at a hearing.
- The right to report suspected workers' compensation fraud to the Fraud Inspector General. (Fraud Referral Hotline: 1-888-363-6001)
- The right seek administrative review and/or appeal to the Appellate Division.
For more information, visit the NYS worker's compensation board's website.
Workers’ Compensation has created a huge burden for virtually every business in the nation. Insurance carriers have historically required sizeable upfront deposits to cover their risk of non-payment and defaulted premium. CPP’s EZ Work Comp© program facilitates billing on a per payroll basis where premium is calculated on actual rather than estimated wages, greatly reducing the risk of additional payment due on audit. CPP is dedicated to aggressive cost containment and reduction of your Workers’ Compensation expenditures.
For more information, visit our website or give us a call!
For more about this topic, read how a workplace safety program can save you money on worker’s comp.
Sources:
http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Employers/employerResponsibilities.jsp
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/workers-compensation-basics-employers-30333.html
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net
