More than 88,000 workers are injured on the job each week in the United States according to a recent report from the National Safety Council. Employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance for such instances. This type of policy covers employees’ medical needs in the event they’ve injured on the job as well as a portion of their lost wages if they’re forced to miss time from work.
While workers’ comp should be readily available to employees, that’s not always the case. Employers often try to fight against claims, and not all circumstances are covered. If you’re filing a claim, having a workers’ compensation lawyer in Des Moines, IA on your side could be beneficial.
Coverage Includes Exposure to Harmful Substances
Workers’ compensation doesn’t cover only immediate injuries. Those who develop illnesses from being repeatedly exposed to dangerous chemicals, fibers, and other substances on the job are insured as well. Pre-existing conditions exacerbated by work-related exposure may also be covered. These are often the most difficult types of cases to prove when filing a claim, but with experienced legal assistance, the process can be simpler.
Workers’ Compensation Is a No-Fault Policy
Contrary to popular belief, workers may be covered even in cases where their actions led to injuries. Of course, certain exemptions apply to protect employers from fraud and to safeguard other employees against willful acts of negligence or recklessness. As is the case with all claims, the circumstances leading up to the accident will be taken into consideration before a claim is approved.
Certain Injuries Allow for Returning to Work
In the case of temporary injuries, employees’ physicians may release them to return to work after a certain number of weeks though they often require light duty at first. Employers can’t reduce workers’ salaries for being placed on light duty, but workers’ comp typically ends once an employee returns to work. Since specific protocol needs to be followed when returning to work, consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Des Moines, IA beforehand is advised.
Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but not all of them are eager to allow claims to be filed by their employees. Some try to fight the process or disprove workers’ claims. If you’ve been injured at work, schedule an appointment to speak with a legal professional to ensure all your bases are covered.
