Although you hope never to be injured at work, it happens to millions of people every year. In nearly all cases, you are entitled to compensation from your employer and their insurance company. You should never feel guilty for getting help after a workplace injury and here is why.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
First, you should have a good understanding of what workers’ compensation is. It is a type of insurance that covers both the employee and the employer when an employee suffers a work-related injury. Most workers’ compensation laws are up to individual states so the rules governing claims will vary. For more information, you should contact the governing body in your state that oversees workers’ compensation.
You Have A Legal Right To Workers’ Compensation
Although state laws vary, they do provide for your legal right to compensation for injury at work in almost all cases. This does not just include physical injury but also occupational hazards and diseases that may occur as a direct result of your work. Workers’ compensation can also cover lost wages. Private insurance may not even cover injuries sustained at work, meaning you may have to go through your employer’s workers’ compensation to have your care covered.
Your Employer Is Insured
Most employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in just about every state. They are therefore fully insured and the costs will be paid by the insurance company. This is why employers carry this coverage and you should use it when it is rightly due to you. You will not be contributing to the financial ruin of an employer you admire.
The Law Protects You
You should not feel guilty or fearful of submitting a legitimate workers’ compensation claim because employers are not allowed to legally retaliate against you for such a claim in most states. If they do, you would be well within your rights to pursue legal action against them. State laws do vary and not every state affords workers this protection, so if you are concerned about retaliation consult a qualified attorney in your state and read up on your state’s laws.
You Can Help Others
You can help other workers with your example. If your accident could have been avoidable the company will be extra careful to avoid accidents in the future. This not only protects you, but other employees. What is a company without its employees anyways? By protecting the workers you protect the company. If framing your workers’ comp around yourself makes you uncomfortable, know you’re worth the justice. And helping implement more safety guidelines to help others may release some of your discomfort.
Workplace injuries are nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about. They happen and there are laws and insurance coverage in place to protect both your employer as well as your financial and physical health. If your employer happens to break the law that protects you, it’s within your moral and legal right to hire an attorney that can help you achieve justice. Eliminate the guilt and get the help you are entitled to and deserve.
Author information: Kare Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. You can find Kara on Facebook and Twitter.
