The Purpose of Worker’s Compensation Insurance
Worker’s compensation insurance provides employees with benefits when injured on the job. A worker’s compensation plan can help cover lost wages, medical expenses, and any additional training needed after the event.
Some injuries, however, would not be covered under a traditional worker’s compensation insurance plan. As an employee and an employer, it’s critical to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Injuries Not Covered Under Worker’s Compensation
Worker’s compensation insurance does not cover the following types of injuries:
- Unreported Injuries: You must follow your state’s guidelines to report injuries promptly. You may not be eligible for benefits if the incident goes unreported in a given period.
- Contractors or Self-Employed: If someone is self-employed or an independent contractor and is injured on the job, they will not receive worker’s compensation benefits in most cases.
- Commuting or Lunch Breaks: Any events that occur while out of the office on a lunch break, or commuting to and from work, are not covered.
- Under the Influence: A worker’s compensation plan will not cover any employee that sustains an injury while intoxicated.
- Company Events: Worker’s compensation policies will not cover injuries that occur at the company holiday party or happy hour.
- Fights: Your policy will not cover injuries that arise due to fighting in the workplace.
- Policy Violations: If you violate company policies or procedures and, as a result, end up injured, you will not be entitled to worker’s compensation benefits.
Know You Are Covered
Worker’s compensation insurance is a crucial aspect of many businesses today. It’s important to know what is covered under your policy to be sure you stay protected.
Contact Steve Longenecker (303-808-9351, x2) at Mountain Insurance: Longmont to discuss your commercial insurance coverage options in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.
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