Workers’ Compensation: What Employees Need to Know

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial assistance to employees who are injured on the job. However, the process of filing a workers’ comp claim can be complex, and understanding your rights is key to maximizing your benefits.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for employees who are injured while performing job-related duties. It also provides death benefits to the families of workers who die due to workplace accidents. In most cases, workers’ comp is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

Most employees are covered under workers’ compensation laws, but there are exceptions. Independent contractors, freelancers, and certain agricultural or domestic workers may not be eligible. To qualify for workers’ comp, you must:

If you’re injured at work, follow these steps to file a claim:
Report the injury: Notify your employer immediately, even if the injury seems minor. Failing to report the injury within a certain timeframe may result in a denial of your claim.

Seek medical attention: Visit an approved healthcare provider, as specified by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Keep all medical