Workers compensation insurance or workers comp helps your employees if they end up suffering a work-related injury or illness. This is important because no matter your industry, your employees are at some risk, big or small, or getting hurt or sick. There are a handful of things workers comp covers, but it doesn’t cover other things. We will tell you some of the ins and outs of workers comp to understand how it plays a part in your business.
Workers Compensation Insurance in Texas
If you’re a private employer, Texas doesn’t require you to provide workers compensation insurance. However, if you choose this route, you must report your coverage status and any work-related injuries or illnesses to the state’s Division of Workers Compensation.
What Injuries are Covered?
Workers comp can be used if your employees get hurt on the job or while working on your behalf. For example, injuries from work-related violence, terrorism, and natural disasters are covered by this insurance. One specific example of what would be covered is if your employee is driving to make a delivery and gets in a wreck, workers’ comp can help pay their medical costs.
The most common injuries covered by workers’ comp are sprains and strains, usually caused by lifting something heavy. The next most common injuries include slips, trips, and falls. Illnesses like getting sick from chemicals at work are also covered with this insurance.
What Isn’t Covered?
What is or isn’t covered by workers comp sometimes varies by state. However, incidents that are often not covered include things like fights your employee caused, an injury or illness intentionally caused by the employee, things that happened while your employee was intoxicated, and a few more.
If an employee sues your business, workers comp will not come into play if it is for any of the following:
- Gross negligence
- Malicious intent
- Discrimination
- Failure to promote
- Wrongful termination
However, if you wanted coverage for the above lawsuits, employment practices liability insurance could help you cover legal costs.
How will Workers Compensation Insurance Protect my Business?
There are a few ways that workers comp will protect your business. One is that it benefits employees when they’re involved in a work-related injury or illness. Workers comp also limits your business’ liability in lawsuits for work-related injuries or illnesses. It also helps your employees get back to work in their previous role or a new one.
Laws in your state will help you determine your policy’s coverage details.
Contact Arthur Blake Insurance today in Plano, Texas, if you need assistance organizing workers’ compensation insurance for your business and your employees. We can help you figure out all the details necessary to protect your business and cover your employees.