Your Workers Compensation Questions Answered

1. Your Workers Compensation Questions Answered

2. If you’re just starting out as a business owner, and haven’t yet got to grips with the ins and outs of workers compensation, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions: Q. What exactly is workers compensation? A. Also known as workers comp, this insurance program is designed to give benefits to workers who injure themselves, or become sick while at work. Compensating them for associated medical costs and loss of wages, it can help protect business owners from costly litigation.

3. Q. How can I reduce claims and lower premiums? A. By assessing the safety of the work environment and determining whether anything needs to be repaired or replaced, creating a safe working environment by training all employees on workplace safety, and setting up an employee wellness program, are all ways to reduce the number of claims and lower your insurance premiums.

4. Q. If the employee is at fault – even partially – can they still be paid? A. Even if the employee was careless, if the injury happened within the scope of their employment, they are covered by workers comp. However, if the employee was found to have been under the influence of an alcohol or an illegal substance, they will typically not be covered. Q. If the injury occurred outside of the work environment, can the employee still collect benefits? A. Even if an employee wasn’t at the workplace when they sustained an injury, if they were acting within the scope of their paid role and duties, they are usually covered, although the rules do vary from state to state.

5. Q. What types of injuries qualify for workers compensation? A. Almost any injury or illness related to their job can qualify the employee for workers compensation, especially if it results in an extended absence from work. It’s important to note that injuries related to work can also occur outside of the normal work environment, and a compensation claim file can still be filed by the employee in question. Injuries or illnesses incurred while an employee is commuting to work, however, will not qualify for compensation.

6. Q. How long can an employee receive compensation for? A. The length of time varies from state to state, but generally, employees can expect to receive a maximum benefit provision window of between three and seven years, depending upon the nature and severity of the injury or illness. That said, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the employee will not be able to work throughout this period, and they may be able to do so while still receiving financial compensation.

7. Workplace injuries and illnesses are a serious matter, and as workers compensation is mandatory in most states, it pays to find a suitable vendor and sign up for the insurance as soon as you begin taking on employees. Failure to do so could result in expensive fines and costly lawsuits. Apollo Payroll is dedicated to delivering expert advice, responsive service, and highly accurate payroll processing and reporting to ensure the success and growth of the business that we serve. Our services include comprehensive payroll services in Homestead and other cities in Miami-Dade County, employee background check and group health insurance in Miami & Coral Gables