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The relation between an employee and employer is just as sweet as it is bitter. When both the parties know their rights and obligations, this could be a perfect bond. It is unfortunate that many employees will speak bad things about their employers only because they don’t know much. Employees have to understand that employers are legally bound to do what they are doing. Since they are legally liable for several things, it is nearly impossible for them to do something wrong to their employees and get away with it. Due to several legal requirements employers are always protecting their employees.
One way for employers to provide protection to their employees is through workers compensation. Workers compensation is the name given to compensation that is given by the employer to its employee in the event that something goes wrong with the employee due to work. If you are a worker at a company and you have become ill or have received injuries due to your work, you will qualify for workers compensation. When you are injured or when you get ill you will have to stay away from work. Furthermore, you will have to pay for all the medical expenses.
That’s where the workers compensation jumps in. Since your injuries or illness is due to your work the employer will pay the medical expenses. Furthermore, your employer will also compensate you for lost work by paying you your monthly wage for as long as you are away from work. The most important thing for employee to know in all of this is that he/she receives this compensation for forfeiting their right to sue the employer. When you sign the document that says you agree to receive workers compensation, you agree that you will not sue your employer for damages resulting from your work.
One thing you need to know is that your employer is legally bound to carry this type of insurance system for its employees. If your employer does not have such insurance in place when he/she is required by law to, you can go to court and ask for help. You can go to court even when your employer does have the workers compensation program in place when certain conditions are met or not met. For example, you can go to the court if your employer refuses to give you the compensation for work related injury or illness.
Workers compensations claims are also taken to the lawyers when the employees feel that their injuries and illnesses are a result of the employer’s intentional actions. When your employer does have workers compensation program you have to make sure that you inform the employer about your injuries as soon as possible. The more you delay the process the smaller your chances become of receiving workers compensation. Another thing to keep in mind is that you only receive some percentage of your actual monthly wage as part of workers compensation. You will have to read laws particularly for your state to know that.
As an employee you also have to know that you can’t always report your injuries and illnesses as workers compensation. If your injuries have resulted due to your intoxication, you will not be given any kind of compensation. Any self-inflicted injuries will not qualify for workers compensation as well. If you are a federal employee then your workers compensation program is directly controlled and regulated by the federal government. It should also be in your knowledge as to what aspects are covered as part of your workers compensation.
Your employer will cover you for the medical expenses that have resulted from your work related injuries. Furthermore, you will also be compensated for the wages that you have to lose for being away from work. These compensations are provided by the employer for small injuries to big ones. In most cases the employees receive only temporary compensation and then they return to work. However, you are still covered for any permanent damages such as permanent illnesses or disabilities such as amputation of leg or arm. It is also important that you don’t have to be at your workplace to claim workers compensation. Even if you are out of your office but for a work related task, you can still claim workers compensation.