Injuries sustained at work might cause physical discomfort and mental anguish. When an employee suffers an injury on the job, they may hesitate to make a workers’ remuneration claim out of apprehension of retaliation or other unfavorable consequences. Yet, it’s essential to remember that workers’ compensation is available to help those wounded on the job. Five common misconceptions about workers’ compensation will be dispelled in this article.
1. Employees Have the Right to Workers’ Compensation
You are entitled to seek workers’ compensation as an injured worker. If you are injured on the job, you are legally entitled to workers’ compensation payments since companies are mandated to have such coverage. Your employer cannot fire or treat you differently because you sought justice in court and exercised your legal rights by filing a lawsuit.
Injured Workers: Understand Your Protections
You must be aware of your employee rights if you ever sustain an injury on the job. Employees are entitled to a written explanation of their workers’ compensation rights from their employer, which should include details on any benefits to which they may be entitled. An attorney specializing in workers’ compensation can answer your questions and help you understand your legal options.
2. Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Benefits Pay for Lost Wages and Medical Bills
By filing for workers’ compensation, you may get assistance paying for your medical bills and missed earnings. Medical treatment, disability payments (both short- and long-term), vocational training, and death benefits for your family in the event of your untimely passing are some of the benefits you may be eligible for if you suffer a work-related accident or illness.
State-by-state Variation in Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The benefits you’re eligible for, if any, will depend on the state where you work. For example, disability payments may be mandated by certain states but not others for private sector companies. Whether or not you are eligible for injured employee rights in Texas depends on your state’s legislation.
3. Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim is a Defense to Termination
Workers who suffer injuries frequently second-guess their decision to seek workers’ compensation out of fear of being fired. Yet, retaliation against workers who use their rights under workers’ compensation legislation is prohibited. Legal action may be warranted if your employer mistreats you after submitting a claim, such as being fired.
Seek Legal Counsel If Harassed
Get the advice of a knowledgeable lawyer if you feel your employer is mistreating you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim. If your employer is trying to retaliate against you, you should talk to a workers’ compensation attorney about your alternatives.
4. Confidentiality of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Employees who have been hurt on the job may be afraid to file for workers’ compensation for fear that word would get out about their condition. But, your employer is prohibited from disclosing any details of your workers’ compensation claim without your express permission.
Your Health Records Are Confidential and Protected by Law
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and other legislation protect your medical records (HIPAA). If your employer discloses your health information without your permission, they may violate these laws and be subject to legal repercussions.
Filing workers’ compensation claims may reduce the likelihood of further injuries on the job.
5. Submitting a claim for workers
Compensation might alert your employer to potential causes of your injury on the job. You can help avoid similar injuries to yourself and your coworkers by reporting your incident and the events leading up to it.
Promote a Healthy Working Environment
A safety culture must be fostered for workplace accidents to be avoided. Employees are more likely to report safety issues and operate in a safer workplace when they believe their safety is a significant priority. By fostering an environment where safety is paramount, employers and workers can do their part to ensure that their workplace is healthy and safe.
Conclusion
Workers’ compensation helps injured employees. Don’t hesitate to claim workers’ compensation if you’re harmed. Filing a claim may help you collect compensation for your injuries and lost wages, protect you from employer retaliation, keep your medical records private, and promote a safer workplace. After a work-related accident, consult a workers’ compensation attorney immediately to get your benefits. Remember that you may and should seek compensation for workplace injuries.
