If employees get hurt at work, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Many people who may have the right to request benefits fail to do so or make mistakes that may limit what benefits they receive.
Misconceptions stemming from inaccurate information about workers’ compensation can leave people uncertain about their rights after they get hurt on the job. The five misconceptions about workers’ compensation below are relatively common, and people who learn the truth about these misconceptions may benefit from their knowledge if they ever get hurt on the job.
Misconception #1. Worker mistakes could cost them benefits
One of the most common and pervasive misconceptions about workers’ compensation has to do with eligibility. Quite a few workers believe that they are ineligible for workers’ compensation if their employers can show that they caused the incident that left them hurt. Workers’ compensation provides no-fault support, meaning that a worker’s mistake does not render them ineligible for benefits.
Misconception #2. Only full-time workers qualify
Another common myth about workers’ compensation relates to employment arrangements. Some people think they need to have held their jobs for months to qualify. Others assume they need to have a full-time or permanent position to be eligible. Workers’ compensation typically covers any direct-hire employee regardless of how many hours a week they work.
Misconception #3. Health insurance is just as good
Many injured employees assume that they don’t need to file a workers’ compensation claim because they only need medical coverage. They may assume that if they have health insurance, their medical insurance covers as much as workers’ compensation does. Health insurance usually passes a portion of medical expenses to the patient in the form of coinsurance, deductibles or copays. Workers’ compensation provides full medical benefits without passing expenses on to the injured worker.
Misconception #4. Applying for benefits can cost a worker their job
Many employees assume that their employers can punish them for seeking benefits. However, workers have a right to report an on-the-job incident and to file a claim for workers’ compensation without facing retaliation. Firing a worker for getting hurt on the job or seeking workers’ compensation is a violation of employment statutes that may open an employer up to litigation.
Misconception #5. A denied claim is the end of the road
Many workers assume that if they don’t receive immediate approval for benefits, then they have no other options available to them. Workers have the right to appeal unfavorable decisions. They can even ask for a change of physician.
Navigating a contentious workers’ compensation claim can be very challenging, and employees facing pushback may need help, which is okay. Injured workers who have the right information and assistance can potentially apply for benefits that can help them as they recover from an on-the-job injury.