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A Guide to Workers Compensation Law

Worker’s compensation is an insurance program that provides for workers who have been injured during the period of employment. This program typically covers medical payments and wage compensation for hurt workers. In addition, worker’s compensation can cover disability payments for employees that have sustained long-term damage.

What to know about Workers Compensation Law

There are federal and state laws in place that ensure worker’s compensation and protect the rights of workers. However, the details of the law will differ according to state. For example, in most states, employees are unable to fire or refuse to hire a prospective employee who has filed in a compensation claim in the past.

Workers compensation law protects employees and enables them with a number of rights. The three main components of workers compensation include medical expense payments, disability pay, and vocational rehabilitation. Medical expense payments involve covering the costs of hospitals, surgeries, and other medical treatments.   If the employee is unable to work while recovering, then employers may be required to pay disability pay. The amount of payment changes according to the amount of damage done to the employee, and can cover permanent compensation if the employee is unable to recover. Finally, employers may have to pay vocational rehabilitation for employees that are no longer able to perform at their job. Vocational rehabilitation allows injured employees to undergo training in a new trade or business.

Where to find Additional Information on Workers Compensation Law

There are a number of resources that workers can turn to find out more about workers compensation law. The following sources can help employees file claims, understand benefits and gain more information:

Lawyers:
Lawyers can specialize in workers compensation law and the field of employee-employer law. In order to find a qualified, reputable lawyer, individuals can gain referrals from other employees who have utilized the services of a work compensation lawyer. In addition, many workers’ organizations possess lists of qualified attorneys in the employee’s area.

Federal Offices:
Though workers compensation law is enforced by individual states, a number of federal departments provide useful information on compensation programs. In addition, these departments also have resources on a variety of topics important to employees, such as workers’ rights, wage laws and unemployment benefits. For federal resources on workers compensation law, the United States Department of Labor provides information on different types of compensation programs.

State Offices:
The details of workers compensation laws differ from state to state.  However, in most states, workers compensation law is compulsory. In order to find information about workers compensation laws, it is recommended that you explore the law within the state.

Organizations:
A number of third party organizations offer resources for individuals who are interested in educating themselves in workers compensation law. These organizations can help employees understand the law and the benefits they may qualify for, and find lawyers in their area. Some examples of organizations include the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary and the Professionals in Workers’ Compensation.