Examples of Coverage
In the United States, workers compensation is something most everyone is familiar with. Workers comp insurance is a form of insurance that pays medical care for employees who are injured on the job.
How do you get this kind of insurance? Well, you normally sign a form during the run through of the human resources department of the company you’re employed by. The form states you legally give up your right to sue the company. In return, should you become injured or disabled on the job, you will be compensated for it and you will be paid for the days that you miss as a result of your injury. Below are a few examples to further explain this.
Let’s say John Doe is working in a factory that houses potentially dangerous equipment. He is careful most of the time and keeps in mind all possible dangers when operating the machinery. But, let’s say that on one particular occasion, John is careless and accidentally smashes his hand in a machine! He is on the clock and obviously working in the factory when the incident occurs. Of course the machine is stopped and he is freed. But, now he will most certainly need to have medical care to tend to his injury. Workers comp insurance will reimburse John for his medical care and pay him for the days he needs off to recover, if any.
Jane Doe has been working in an office for many years now. She has become disgruntled and tired of the same pay or office talk and began to purposely voice her opinion. She has stated how she needs more of a vacation and possibly more money for it. Generally, offices are not a highly hazardous work area, yet sometimes accidents do happen. However, our Jane Doe has stated that she is in need of workers comp insurance and time off because her back has been injured due to long periods of time sitting at her chair. Obviously, the claim is a direct attempt to get one over on the company. If this has been happening for some time, she simply needs to ask for a new chair.
Now, the latter is an example of where workers comp insurance will not be enforced. It’s obvious that Jane Doe wanted some time off and something extra to pay her medical expenses. While the examples above are a bit exaggerated, they can happen.
Both the real injury and the false claim can occur at any time with any business. Surprisingly, some of the false claims can actually be honored if no proof can prove otherwise.