Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to cover your medical bills and other needs if you are injured while on the job. You may think that all employers are required to carry this coverage; however, some do not, and if you discover your employer is a non-subscriber, it may be helpful to understand how to pursue compensation otherwise if you get hurt on the job.
About Workers’ Compensation Insurance
While workers’ compensation insurance can help protect you in case of an on-the-job injury, it also provides your employer with an umbrella of coverage as well. This type of protection can be multifaceted and include a variety of benefits, such as:
- Limited liability for the employer
- The right to assign preferred doctors to compensation cases
- Increased immunity from lawsuits
Workers’ compensation can limit your actions when you are hurt on the job, but if your employer does not have this insurance, you may have to pursue the company in court.
Review Your Options
Once you discover your employer is a non-subscriber to workers’ compensation, you may want to speak to an attorney to understand and review your legal options. An employer’s lack of insurance could mean greater liability for the company and may open more doors for you when it comes to pursuing compensation for your injuries. Your attorney can help you understand how state and federal workers’ compensation laws might affect your case.
Gather Your Medical Reports
If you choose to hire an attorney, it may be helpful to present your medical reports so he or she can gauge the full extent of your injuries and whether the company was negligent. For example, if a malfunctioning forklift failed to brake in the warehouse and crushed your leg, you may be able to add punitive damages to your lawsuit because the company was grossly negligent with keeping their equipment maintained. The more detailed your medical reports, the stronger your case can be.
Calculate Your Case Value
Employers who do not subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance often leave themselves open to litigation because as an employee who was hurt on the job, you usually have the right to sue for a variety of damages that extend beyond your injuries. You may be able to add loss of wages, both past and future, pain and suffering and the cost of future medical needs. Your attorney can help you decide the total value of your case.It can be difficult to know where to turn when you are injured on the job and your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, but help is available.