On behalf of Castrodale Law, LLC posted in workers’ compensation on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that employers purchase to protect their employees. This insurance is mandated at the state level in Ohio. It involves making payments to any employee who is injured, sickened or disabled on the job. In the majority of instances, employees will receive workers’ compensation benefits no matter who was at fault for the injury. Since the benefits are a form of insurance, they prevent the injured party from suing the employer.
Workers’ compensation payments, which are typically very modest, cover any of the following incidents for employees on the job:
- Retraining costs
- Replacement of income (2/3 of average wage, untaxed, with a fixed limit)
- Medical care for the illness or injury suffered
- Benefits to the survivors of employees who are killed on the job
- Compensation for permanent injuries suffered
Workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering associated with the injury or illness, which is a common damage sought in lawsuits.
There are quite a few types of employees who are not covered by workers’ compensation. These employees include the following:
- Railroad workers
- Maritime workers
- Independent contractors
- Farmers
- Business owners
- Private home employees
- Volunteers
- Casual employees
All federal employees receive coverage under the federal government’s workers’ compensation insurance plan and not by the state where they work.
As you can see, workers’ compensation covers quite a few different kinds of injuries and other accidents in the workplace. You should be sure that you know your rights before filing a claim with your employer and always seek medical care as soon as possible after your accident.
Source: Findlaw, “Workers’ Compensation Benefits Explained,” accessed April 25, 2018