Workers compensation laws were created to ensure that employees who are injured on the job are provided with fixed monetary awards. This eliminates the need for litigation and creates an easier process for the employee. It also helps control the financial risks for employers since many states limit the amount an injured employee can recover from an employer.

Workers Compensation Insurance is designed to help companies pay these benefits. As a protection for employees, most states require that employers carry some form of Workers Compensation Insurance. Workers Compensation Insurance is not health insurance. Workers Compensation is designed specifically for injuries sustained on the job.

In most states, if you have employees, you are required to carry Workers Compensation coverage. Even in non-mandatory states, it can be a very good idea, particularly if you have many employees, or if they are engaged in hazardous activities.

What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance? 
Workers’ compensation insurance is a crucial component of any employer’s insurance portfolio. This type of coverage can help provide critical access to necessary medical services and financial resources in the aftermath of a work-related incident. If an employee is injured on the job or develops a work-related illness, an adequate workers’ compensation policy can make all the difference for them to be able to seek medical treatment and recover. Furthermore, workers’ compensation can help employers access financial assistance for various costs arising from a workplace illness or injury, such as legal expenses and providing benefits to affected employees or their families. 

Do I need workers compensation insurance?

Employers have a legal responsibility to their employees to make the workplace safe. However, accidents happen even when every reasonable safety measure has been taken.

To protect employers from lawsuits resulting from workplace accidents and to provide medical care and compensation for lost income to employees hurt in workplace accidents, in almost every state, businesses are required to buy workers compensation insurance. Workers compensation insurance covers workers injured on the job, whether they're hurt on the workplace premises or elsewhere, or in auto accidents while on business. It also covers work-related illnesses.

Workers compensation provides payments to injured workers, without regard to who was at fault in the accident, for time lost from work and for medical and rehabilitation services. It also provides death benefits to surviving spouses and dependents.

Each state has different laws governing the amount and duration of lost income benefits, the provision of medical and rehabilitation services and how the system is administered. For example, in most states there are regulations that cover whether the worker or employer can choose the doctor who treats the injuries and how disputes about benefits are resolved.

Workers compensation insurance must be bought as a separate policy. Although in-home business and business owners policies (BOPs) are sold as package policies, they don't include coverage for workers' injuries.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover? 
Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage to employees that experience a work-related injury or illness. For the employee, a policy can help cover:  


Not only can this coverage help employees, but the employer if you were to experience a lawsuit related to an employee’s work-related injury or illness. Relating to employer liability, this policy can help cover:  


Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance Required?  
The requirements for workers’ compensation insurance differ from state to state. Before opting out of coverage, check with your state requirements. Regardless of your legal requirements pertaining to the policy, it’s a good idea to have coverage to not only protect your employees, but to protect yourself from potential lawsuits.  

How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cost? 
The overall cost of your workers’ compensation insurance will vary. To receive a quote on your premium, contact your agent to speak about your policy.  

Learn More About Workers’ Compensation Insurance 
At Tanenbaum Harber Insurance Group, we are prepared to assist you with all coverage needs. To get started with workers’ compensation coverage, contact your agent today.