Does Workers Compensation Insurance Pay For Medical Expenses?

Workers compensation insurance is most commonly known to function as a monthly income to help an employee cover their expenses after being injured on the job, leaving them unable to work. But, the scope of workers compensation extends beyond just getting the bills paid.

Workers Compensation Insurance Will Cover Medical Needs

Workers compensation payouts are intended to help protect the worker from financial ruin following an injury. This means that lost income will be covered (usually in the amount of two-thirds of the employee's typical paycheck). But so will the cost of diagnosing and treating the injuries suffered in the line of duty.

You Don't Need To Have Been Injured At Work To Collect Workers Compensation

If you were performing duties on the clock for your employer and you suffered an injury, you should be covered — even if the injury did not technically take place on the employer's business property. For instance, if you are injured while out picking up supplies, you may be covered.

The List Of Exceptions Is Short

Workers compensation insurance is there to protect the worker and the employer. The exceptions — where workers compensation is not offered for an injury — are fairly drastic:

You won't be covered in the event of self-inflicted injuries.
You won't be covered if you were injured while committing a crime.
You won't be covered if you were not following company policy.
You won't be covered if you're not actually working. This means that if you're visiting friends on the jobsite on your day off and you are injured, your employer might be able to pay your medical bills through general liability, but you shouldn't expect monthly workers compensation payments.

Workers compensation insurance is intended to ensure that the employee's financial needs is covered while they are unable to work. So of course, that will include medical expenses.

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