The workers’ compensation system offers benefits to employees suffering injuries or diseases while undertaking their official duties. So, let’s check the pros and cons of workers comp:
Pros of Workers’ Compensation:
- No-Fault System: The workers’ compensation system is based on a no-fault principle under which employees are entitled to benefits irrespective of who was at fault for the workplace injury or illness. This saves plaintiffs from attempting to establish that the employer acted negligently in most cases.
- Medical Coverage: The medical expenses of the work injury or illness including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation are usually covered by a workers’ compensation.
- Lost Income Benefits: It offers wage loss concern, which includes interim disability benefits during the time a worker is unable to work because of an injury or illness. There are also provisions for permanent disability benefits to all the people who suffer injuries that cause lasting impairments.
- Job Protection: The employees are not sacked or victimized by their employer for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Usually, their job is supposed to be available when they regain health.
- Death Benefits: Death benefits may include payments for the funeral and continuing financial support to the dependents of a worker who dies from work-related causes.
Cons of Workers’ Compensation:
- Limited Benefits: However, workers’ compensation benefits are more modest in terms of wage replacement and medical coverage compared to regular wages. During recovery, this can reduce income.
- No Pain and Suffering Compensation: Workers’ compensation are provided for economic damages only without including the non-economic damages during personal injury claim like pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of quality of life.
- Limited Control: Injured workers do not have much in the way of control over the process of workers’ compensation claims. The workers’ compensation insurer may determine the treatment they receive and/or healthcare providers they see.
- Exclusion of Certain Injuries: However, workers’ compensation may not cover some injuries or diseases that result from workplace violence and intoxication.
- Complexity of the System: The workers’ compensation system is complex and may involve claim denials or disputes. In such instances, guidance from a lawyer may be necessary, thereby attracting costs.
Benefits of workers’ compensation include the provision of cash assistance and healthcare to sick or wounded employees without requiring them to demonstrate negligence. It is not without restrictions, though, and the particulars of each situation will determine how beneficial it is. Employees should be aware of the workers’ compensation laws in their area and, if needed, seek legal counsel, such as from Kenton Koszdin Law Office, to safeguard their rights and interests.
