Injuries in the workplace are prevalent, particularly at the ground level. Workers compensation is your right if you suffer from an injury or illness. This helps replace lost wages, pay medical bills, and more during recovery. However, understanding the worker’s compensation and how the process works can be overwhelming.
Many workers miss opportunities to claim compensation due to myths and misconceptions. An Ontario workers compensation attorney will debunk all the misconceptions and help you understand compensation laws.
An overview of worker’s compensation
Workers’ compensation is similar to insurance coverage that compensates for medical bills and provides pay benefits to employees who become disabled or injured on the job. The law has been made to protect employers’ rights and help them recover lost wages. Workers compensation laws may vary from state to state and between countries.
Debunking Common Myths about Workers’ Compensation
Some common misconceptions that prevent workers from accessing their benefits include the following:
- No compensation if injury happens due to your fault
Worker compensation law possesses a no-fault system. This means that employees are eligible to claim compensation if they get injured due to work-related reasons. The purpose of this compensation is to provide financial security and medical benefits during recovery.
- Independent workers cannot claim
Independent workers and part-time employees can file a claim if injured. In many states, independent contractors are allowed to receive worker’s compensation benefits. The compensation coverage is similar to what full-time employees get. We advise you to consult a worker’s compensation attorney for your work rights.
- You can claim workers’ compensation anytime after an injury
There is a specific period within which workers have to claim workers’ compensation. In some states, injured employees must file for compensation within one or two years. Waiting too long can result in loss of compensation benefits. Hence, it is crucial to seek medical assistance quickly and file your compensation claim.
- Injury must happen at the workplace to get workers’ compensation
Most workers believe they are eligible for compensation only if injured at the workplace. However, they can still claim worker compensation if injuries arise from work-related activities while traveling. Workers’ compensation covers injuries sustained during work-related training, business travel, and social events.
- An employee workers’ compensation attorney is not required to claim
It is true employees do not necessarily need legal advisors to file their claims. However, in some cases, they might require an experienced lawyer to help navigate the compensation process and ensure you receive benefits.
Worker compensation is an important safety cover for employees. But if you need help understanding the filing process, attorneys can help. They ensure your filing process goes smoothly and is carried out correctly for maximum benefits.
