What is the Worker’s Compensation Board and What Does It Do?
In the workplace, employers are legally responsible to provide workers an insurance in the event of a work-related injury. The Worker’s Compensation Board mandates this requirement and acts as the state agency that processes claims related to this insurance. The board intervenes when necessary and determines how the insurer will reimburse the employee.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
What exactly is this insurance called workers’ compensation and how does it work? Basically, the law states that workers should be insured and should receive cash benefits and medical care in case they are injured or become sick as a direct result of their job-related activities.
It is the responsibility of the employer or the company to pay for this insurance and the employee is not required to contribute to the cost of their compensation. The employer has the freedom to choose the insurance carrier for their employees and the insurance company will pay weekly cash benefits as well as medical care to the injured individuals, as directed by the Workers’ Compensation Board. The board processes the insurance claims and makes the decision of whether or not the insurer will reimburse cash benefits or medical expenses, as well as the amounts payable.
Are There Exceptions?
An employee loses their right to the said workers’ compensation if the injury is a result of intoxication from drugs or alcohol. The same is true if the person intentionally injured themselves or someone else.
If It’s Not a Result of Intoxication or Intentional Self-Injury, who is At Fault?
All cases regarding workers’ compensation is not considered to be the fault of only one party. This is assuming that the employee did not intentionally injure themselves and is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If there was carelessness from the employee, it will not decrease the amount that they will receive. Neither will it increase because of an employer’s fault.
When Will a Claim Be Paid?
In the event of a work-related injury, the worker files an insurance claim to receive their benefits or the employer would file it in their behalf. If the employer or the insurance carrier agrees that the illness or injury is work-related, the claim will be paid.
What Will the Workers’ Compensation Board Do If There is a Dispute?
In some cases, the company or the insurance carrier may dispute the claim. In that case, the cash benefits will not be paid until the workers’compensation law judge makes a decision about the case.
In the meantime, the injured worker may be eligible for disability benefits while the case is being disputed. However, any payments made under the Disability Program will be deducted from the cash benefits if the employee will be awarded the workers’ compensation in the future.
What Other Benefits Are Available to Injured Workers?
If your injury prevents you from earning the same amount you used to when you return to work, you may be entitled to receive a benefit that will pay two-thirds of the difference in your pay.
