Is Workers' Compensation Federal?

Workers' compensation is a special kind of insurance that most employers throughout the United States are required to have to protect themselves and their workers in the event of an incident in the workplace that leads to an injury or illness.

Workers' compensation is not a federal program, but is a state-mandated program. Federal employees, however, are covered by the federal workers' compensation insurance program.

While state laws vary, some states do not require workers' compensation for companies that have fewer than three to five employees. Workers' compensation insurance offers specific benefits, including medical benefits, temporary disability, long-term disability and sometimes vocational benefits depending on the severity of the injuries and how long you will be impacted by them.

What Does Workers' Compensation Cover?

In most cases, workers' compensation is made available to most workers no matter who was at-fault for the accident that led to the injury or illness. Workers' compensation will cover conditions that result from the carelessness of the worker or the employer.

While workers' comp covers a variety of injuries and situations, there are limitations that are set forth by state law. Some states require drug and alcohol testing on the injured worker, and sometimes the benefits can be denied if the employee tests positive for either.

If the injury resulted while the employee was violating company policy or violating the law. If the employee's injury was self-inflicted, the workers' comp claim can be denied for that reason as well. Denials can be appealed by an attorney so you can get benefits that you are entitled to receive.

Is Workers' Compensation Federal?

The Claims Process

Each state has set regulations regarding the process for filing a workers' compensation claim. Either way, you should notify your employer right away that you were hurt. Do not postpone any medical treatment.

Waiting for medical care might cause your claim to be denied because the insurer can allege your injury wasn't work-related. Your medical benefits should go into effect right away. Even if your claim is denied later, you most likely will not have to reimburse for the medical expenses that have already been covered.

Because of the complexity of such claims and because your claim can be denied, you should consult with a workers' compensation attorney who will aggressively pursue your claim and help you get your benefits.

Consult With A Workers' Compensation Attorney

If you have suffered an injury or you have been diagnosed with an occupational disease, you should consult with a workers' compensation attorney right away. Because such claims are complicated, you should talk with a lawyer before you file a claim for benefits.

Your attorney will gather up all the evidence and documentation necessary to support your claim. Without a lawyer, your odds of a successful claim decrease significantly. You will not have to pay anything out of pocket because such lawyers work on a contingency basis.

Your attorney will be paid out of your settlement. Schedule a free case evaluation today with a workers' compensation attorney today.

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