Every Business Should Have Workers Compensation Insurance

By Caressa Waechter

Everyone should have workers compensation insurance. Both employers and employees alike. It will provide the medical care required by an injured employee. It also will provide protection against law suits for the employer. So it works well on behalf of both sides, and all employers should carry it.

It's not limited to just injuries sustained while on the work premises. It may cover employees who are en route to another destination, but on company business and meet with an accident. It can also cover things like illnesses. And most states require a company to have it by law.

It compensates the employee for their time away from work after injury. This is regardless of who is at fault for the accident. It's also a means of death insurance to family. Each state's laws concerning workers compensation are unique to that state.

Companies who seek to buy workers compensation insurance, must do so separately from any other forms of insurance they may carry. Business owners policies, or 'BOPs', come as separate packages and will not include workers compensation for injured workers. They are not the same, and must be purchased apart from one another.

Early in the 20th century, people began an outcry against the destructive circumstances left to those who were hurt on their jobs. The working conditions were extremely dangerous, and their outcry was heard. Thus, the workers compensation insurance was born. No longer would injured workers be left high and dry to fend for themselves.

Workers comp is older than both unemployment and social security insurances. Most state adopted it around 1910 when the state of California implemented it. It's a type of 'no-fault' insurance, where no-one has to prove the liability of the parties involved.

The benefits of workers compensation insurance is more than one might think. There are services that can be had for whatever type of injury that is incurred. There's vocational rehabilitation services, permanent disability benefits, temporary disability, and many more supportive services that are covered through workers comp.

All workers who get injured at work are entitled to get treatment. From physician services to hospitalization, whatever is reasonable for the treatment of the injury is covered by workers compensation insurance. The employer must arrange treatment within thirty days.

Part One of the workers compensation policy holds the agreement. It states that the company will promptly respond to all injuries in regards to compensation. This payment, by law, is imposed upon the employer. It's either covered by the laws of the state or by the Workers Compensation Law.

All workers compensation insurance must be purchased through the use of a licensed company. The State Compensation Fund is an alternative to going through one of these companies. Broker-agents are good help whenever trying to purchase workers compensation, and they can advise you in regards to the 'SCIF', or the State Compensation Fund.

Workers Compensation insurance is a law, and a right. Anytime you choose to take a job, you should know whether or not that employer has workers compensation insurance or not. If not, you will have to work there at your own risk. It really doesn't pay to do this, because accidents happen, and if it happens to you without workers comp, it can be a devastating experience. - 23211

About the Author:

Check with more than one workers compensation insurance company to get the best rates on your workers comp policy, which is state-mandated coverage you must purchase.