5 Things You Should Know About Workers’ Compensation
Lawfully, employers must ensure the safety of the workspace. Since unfortunate accidents do happen, you have to ensure employees receive the needed medical care after suffering an unfortunate job-related injury or illness. It is important to know the requirements and options for securing workers’ compensation for your company.
Here are a few things to know about workers’ compensation:
1. Workers’ compensation is a “no fault” system.
This means eligibility for benefits does not depend on fault for the accident. However, the requirements for the type of coverage and the level of coverage differs from state to state. Take a look at your worker’s compensation insurance and health clinic referral policy to examine the details that apply to your business.
2. The employer must promptly provide the injured worker with reasonable and necessary medical treatment.
According to federal law, “The employer has the right to choose the treating physician but must provide treatment within five (5) days of notice or acknowledge that the injury has occurred. If the employer fails to do so, the injured worker may seek treatment with his or her own physician at the employer’s expense. The employee may also obtain emergency treatment at the expense of the employer and select the physician for that treatment where the employer does not provide the emergency treatment.” Therefore, it is beneficial for the employer to identify and connect with local treatment providers that work with the employer to: provide quality care; save costs; and become a trusted partner of the organization.
3. Long-term illnesses and injuries should be covered in worker’s compensation programs.
Most worker’s compensation programs cover accidents, but injuries can lead to long-term care needs. Repetitive injuries like carpal tunnel, for example – can lead to re-injuries caused by the work duties. Having a relationship and/or partnership with local urgent care facilities help with caring for and preventing long term injuries in these cases.
4. Some small businesses may not have a legal obligation to secure compensation.
There are various details to this exception. For example: Employees of businesses with five or fewer total employees, all of whom are related by blood or marriage to the employer, are not “employees” for the purposes of the AWCA, so employers are not required to secure compensation for those individuals. However, if and when accidents occur, it is best to have a trusted physician and/or medical care clinic to refer employees to – for returning employees to work.
5. Partnering with quality urgent care facilities improves the process for both employers and employees.
Partnering with a local urgent care facility as a part of your worker’s compensation has proven to compliment worker’s compensation insurance policies. Communication between physicians and employees becomes a very important part of the injury care process when dealing with a worker’s compensation claim. A partnership with a good urgent care provider ensures the following:
Fast, reliable care services for your employees.
Quality care for various types of injuries.
Fair rates and treatment options.
Professional and flexible assistance with employer defenses against claims.
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The process for establishing and maintaining a worker’s compensation program can be complex and many risks are involved. The above key points provide a general overview of tips for making the process smoother. The Today Clinic will be a trusted partner throughout each step of the daunting worker’s compensation process. We diligently work with employers and employees to provide the best information and communication under applicable laws. We strive to maximize employer outcomes, while protecting the rights of patients.
***This article is an overview of general workers’ compensation concepts. It is not legal advice. Always consult qualified legal counsel regarding workers’ compensation rights and responsibilities.