Workers’ compensation benefits provide payments to employees who have suffered work-related illnesses and injuries. However, not every Kentucky worker is eligible for workers’ compensation. To make a claim, you generally need to meet the following conditions:
1. Your Employer Must Have Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Most states require employers to purchase insurance, and some may choose to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, even if the law does not require them to do so. More than 94 percent of employees are covered.Ask your employer about their workers’ compensation coverage to find out whether you are eligible to claim.
2. You Must Be an Employee
If you are an independent contractor rather than an employee, you are not entitled to workers’ compensation. For example, if you are a freelance or temporary worker working on site for a company, the company’s workers’ compensation coverage will not cover you.However, in some cases, companies claim workers are contractors when legally they should be employees. If you think you should be classified as an employee, contact a workers’ compensation attorney.
3. Your Injury Must Be Work-related
To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, your injury or illness must have been caused by your work. For example, if you hurt your back while moving boxes in the warehouse where you work, or you become ill due to exposure to chemicals in your workplace, you could have a good case.However, you might not be covered if you are injured while commuting to work, during a break from work, or while attending an off-site social event with your coworkers.To find out whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, contact a Kentucky workers’ compensation attorney today. Call Edwards & Kautz Law Firm at 270-908-4914 or contact us online today.