Workers’ compensation insurance is essential and often state-mandated insurance coverage for employers with employees. It provides employees with benefits that can assist them in recovering from work-related injuries or illnesses. The intent of this insurance is to protect both employees and employers. This insurance may help cover various expenses, such as medical expenses, lost wages and ongoing care costs. In the event of a work-related death, benefits may be received by the employee’s dependents.
Here are several important reasons why Workers' Compensation is often required:
1. Legal Compliance: In many jurisdictions, workers' compensation coverage is legally required, such as in the State of California. Failure to provide the mandated coverage can result in penalties, fines, and other legal consequences for employers. Adhering to workers' compensation laws ensures that employers comply with the government's regulations and obligations.
2. Employee Protection: Workers' compensation provides a safety net for employees, ensuring they receive medical care and financial assistance if they are injured or become ill on the job. It helps employees recover and return to work, reducing the financial burden on individuals and their families.
3. Employer Liability Limitation: Employers limit their liability for workplace injuries or illnesses by providing workers' compensation coverage. In exchange for providing benefits to employees, workers' compensation laws typically prevent employees from suing their employers for damages related to work-related injury or illness. This helps protect employers from potentially costly legal actions.
4. Ensuring Workplace Safety: The requirement for workers' compensation can serve as an incentive for employers to maintain safe working conditions and implement proper safety measures. By being financially responsible for workplace injuries, employers have a vested interest in preventing accidents and promoting a safe work environment.
It's important for employers to understand and fulfill their obligations regarding workers' compensation to protect both their employees and their businesses. Compliance with these requirements helps ensure that injured or ill workers receive the necessary support while maintaining a stable and legally compliant work environment. In addition, the coverage will assist you, the employer from covering injury costs out of your own pocket.
Why Won’t A Company’s Liability Insurance Cover Worker Injury or Illness Claims?
A company’s liability insurance is designed to protect the company from legal claims made by third parties who have been injured or suffered property damage due to the company’s activities. This insurance coverage is not meant to benefit the company’s employees injured or ill due to work-related activities. Instead, workers’ compensation insurance is designed specifically for this purpose.
Liability Insurance is not meant to provide the necessary benefits to injured employees. Therefore, among other lines of insurance, it is essential for companies to carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect their business exposures.
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Contact Bone Robertson & McBride, Inc. , to obtain a competitive quote for Worker’s Compensation coverage.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice.