How Long Do You Have to Work to Qualify for Workers Compensation?

Most employee benefits kick in after a certain amount of time you have put into a workplace. Workers compensation is different, however. This benefit works immediately as soon as you clock in for your first shift. a man riding a skateboard up the side of a building

a man riding a skateboard up the side of a building

Workers compensation is different from other employee benefits. Not only does it work for the employee, but it also helps protect the employer in case of an accident. Employers should have a workers compensation policy in place before any employee steps foot in the establishment or clocks in. This insurance is required by most states for full time employees and occasionally part time or seasonal employees.

How Do Workers Comp Benefits Work?

Workers compensation covers injuries an employee may obtain while on the job. When an employee files a workers compensation claim, the employer will notify their insurance provider. The insurance provider will then send an underwriter to investigate the claim.

Benefits for workers compensation will only be paid out once the claim is approved. Workers compensation may provide compensation for:

Medical expenses related to the injury
Wage replacement
Disability benefits

Death benefits

Medical expense payments are provided as the expenses arise. This may include doctor visits, procedures, surgeries and even physical therapy in some cases.

Wage replacement, on the other hand, is generally a set amount. This occurs when the employee is unable to work for a certain amount of time (usually at least two weeks) due to the work-related injury. The employee will receive a percentage of their normal wage on the day they would usually be paid. So if you normally get paid biweekly, for example, your wage replacement will occur biweekly as well.

Disability benefits only pay out if the employee is declared partially or totally disabled by a medical professional. This could be partial or total paralysis, both temporary or permanent. Payments for disability benefits depend on the severity of the disability. For permanent disabilities, employees may receive compensation for months or longer after the incident.

Death benefits are only paid out in the unfortunate circumstance where an employee passes away on the job or due to a work-related injury. In this case, a lump sum benefit will be paid to the employee’s surviving family.

There is also coverage for training at another job if the employee is unable to work in the same industry after an accident.

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