Injuries are a problem at every workplace, from the most upscale office to the rough-and-tumble world of professional sports. Sometimes, those injuries results in workers’ compensation claims. For that reason, Pittsburgh workers should understand the workers’ compensation policies that apply to them. Here are some key questions and answers:
Must all businesses carry workers’ compensation insurance?
Yes. It is a state law, as affirmed by the Department of Labor and Industry of Pennsylvania. This applies to every business that has one or more employees, regardless of whether the employees are full-time or part-time, and even when the workers are family members of the business owner.
What exactly does workers’ compensation insurance cover?
The coverage available to injured employees who get hurt on their jobs includes medical treatment and wage-loss benefits. It also protects employers from lawsuits filed by their injured workers.
How do businesses get workers’ compensation insurance?
They can purchase a policy through a broker or an insurance agent or from a private-sector insurance carrier. There are over 300 that write workers’ compensation policies. The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance website lists a consumer guide to help businesses find a carrier.
Businesses may also submit applications for self-insurance status. This is mostly done by larger companies that are financially healthy. It involves securing approval from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to self-insure their potential liability.
A business can contact the State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF). This is a good option for businesses that have trouble securing coverage from private carriers because the state requires the SWIF to provide coverage to every business that needs it.
Employers and workers should discuss the company’s workers’ compensation policies together, should the need arise. A Pittsburgh workers’ comp attorney mat be able to offer injured workers a clearer understanding of their responsibilities and rights after a workplace injury.
