Workers who are injured might need medical care, which can be an expensive endeavor. When the injury is serious enough to require them to take time off of work, it can mean a sudden and unexpected decrease in income. These situations can form a perfect storm of sorts that devastates their finances.
Fortunately, most workers are covered under workers’ compensation policies that can provide them with specific benefits to help defray the financial damages that these situations can cause. One of the determinations that must occur is whether the injury is covered or not. This is actually a bit easier to figure out than what some people might realize.
Does the location where the injury occurred matter?
The accident’s location isn’t likely going to make a difference if you were doing something work related. Injuries that happen in your office while you are working would be treated in the same way as ones that occurred at a restaurant if you were having a business dinner with a potential investor or client. There is one instance in which the location might matter. Even if you aren’t on the clock, an injury on your employer’s premises is likely compensable. Accidents that happen while driving for your company may also be covered.
Are all employees covered?
Almost all employees are covered under their employer’s policy. There are some exceptions to this that are pretty notable. Domestic workers and people who are seasonally employed might not be covered. Independent contractors usually aren’t covered.
Determining coverage is important if you are going to file a claim. Make sure that you pay close attention to any correspondence you receive. This could help you learn about critical deadlines for receiving or continuing coverage or filing an appeal of a decision you don’t agree with.