Workers’ compensation benefits compensate employees for medical bills, lost wages and other economic losses due to injury or illness that occurs in the course of their employment. All states require employers to pay for workers’ compensation benefits.

Do Employees Pay for Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation benefits are completely paid for as a payroll expense by the employer. There is no deduction from employee paychecks for workers’ compensation coverage.

What Are the Options for Workers’ Compensation Coverage?

The options for workers’ compensation coverage vary by state. In some states, employers may be able to or may be required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance through a state-run insurance program. In others, employers may purchase insurance through private insurance companies or opt to self-insure.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Employees who are injured on the job or become ill with a work-related illness are entitled to receive compensation. This compensation covers several different types of economic losses:

• Medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Disability leave
• Cost of ongoing care
• Funeral costs if the injury or illness results in death

How Do Employees Receive Compensation?

Employees should report any work-related injury or illness to their employer. The report should include a description of how the injury or illness occurred, when it occurred and what type of injury or illness resulted. Once this report has been received, the employer should file a workers’ compensation claim on behalf of the employee. The employer may request that the employee complete a claim form.

The insurance company will then investigate the claim and either approve or deny it. If the employer self-insures, they may use a third-party claims administrator to process the claim. The insurance company should notify the employer and the employee when they have made their decision. If the claim is approved, the insurance company may either reimburse the employee for out-of-pocket expenses or pay medical providers directly, similarly to how a health insurance company operates. They should also issue payments to the employee for lost wages and other expenses.

How Is Compensation Calculated?

State regulations govern the percentage of weekly wages employees receive when they miss work due to work-related injury or illness. State regulations also govern the maximum percentage and length of time employees can receive compensation for various injuries.

All states require employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits, though the exact procedures, requirements and insurance options may vary. If you need assistance from a workers’ compensation lawyer in Buffalo, NY, like from Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, Attorneys at Law, don’t hesitate to call a law office to schedule a consultation.

Workers Compensation Lawyer

In America today I believe it is very important for employers to make a change, they have to be open to new dialog and they have to be willing to talk about difficult subjects with their employees.  Diversity is defined by WHO sits at the table and inclusion is which voices get heard.  Diversity has become a top priority at the individual, corporate, and national scale.  Several reports have shown several trends around implicit bias in the workplace.  

Turning a blind eye to individual differences is no longer acceptable if companies truly want to make a change or a profit, for that matter.  According to Times magazine, “today’s buyer doesn’t just buy into your product, they also buy the ideals and values of your company.”  In the last 3 months I have had several conversations with HR professionals and the going statement but said in different ways is building company values and the future often falls on you—but how can we change a systemic problem?  Do you believe this is a systemic problem or a heart problem?

Most business owners find it hard to have challenging productive conversations around such sensitive topics, but short term discomfort is necessary for long term change.  Here are three ways to encourage an open dialogue around diversity in your own organization.  

We must first start with teaching self-awareness.  If you are like me and work in the service industry, you encounter different people on different levels every day.  I am always trying to think of ways to better serve others within my specific industry.  Cultural competency training is typically given in a quiz type format. When I first started thinking about cultural competency training,  the first thing that came to mind was we need to begin by learning about ourselves before we can help others.  You have to have a clear understanding of your own biases, triggers, and experiences to really serve each person you encounter throughout your business day.  

Second, and one very important factor to truly have an open mind to diversity is to be vulnerable.  A culture where leaders are open to learning from their direct reports/ co-workers helps to create comfort within your particular environment.  Maybe you learn the most from your employees by having weekly meetings.  If so, get all your employees involved in the meetings.  By doing this, you are allowing others within the company to learn about their coworkers.  It is important to raise awareness about experiences that differ from our own.  We are all impacted differently by current events.  It is important to build a safe space for employees to open up and express themselves without feeling judged or frowned upon.  

Lastly, act as an Ally.  While reading the Diversity Report, data reveals a pattern of managers hiring employees in their likeness, commonly referred to as the similar-to-me bias.  It is natural to trust people who are like you, as you automatically connect with their experiences, but even if it’s unintentional we have to be conscious and proactive about embracing different voices.  We may not always understand the experiences of others but we should act as allies to support them.  To act as an ally we have a responsibility to speak up for people who can’t and also know when to just be quiet and listen.  Emotional intelligence is critical for success.  

Empowering employees to bring their whole selves to work lays the foundation for better discussions around diversity and inclusion.  We have the power to bring employees out of their comfort zones and encourage meaningful conversations around the parts of ourselves that we tend to bury during work hours.  After all, when an employee is allowed to be themselves there are studies that prove business will grow.  America is ever-changing and it is important to keep up with the changes, make the adjustments where they need to be made, and keeping working towards your goals.  

If you have questions about business law, contact a business law attorney like the ones at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC. 

Workers Compensation Lawyer

If you are involved in a business dispute and are unsure about what will happen to the future of your business, it may be in your best interest to ask a business lawyer for help. Do speak with a business lawyer in Melbourne, FL about your dispute.

Do I Need to Consider Business or Corporate Mediation?

If you are wondering whether or not you need a business lawyer for your dispute or litigation matter, consider the following benefits of having one on your side. 

Meditation Can Bring Forth the Right Kind of Resolution

If your case goes to court, you might expect several months of litigation before you can reach a successful outcome. Litigating a business dispute case might also cause you to endure significant mental and physical stress. This may lead to you losing focus on the things that are most important. A business lawyer can mediate your case and help you to reach an amicable solution without going to court. By choosing this route, you may save time, money, and energy. 

Mediation is Flexible

Unlike arbitration, when a third party reviews all of the applicable information and decides on something that binds everyone to the agreement, mediation consists of productive communication and mutual agreements. It is much less formal and tends to offer an increased sense of satisfaction. It is recommended that you have a business lawyer present during your mediation sessions. 

Business Ties Might Be Salvaged

A business dispute can destroy partnerships, corporate connections, and other relationships associated with your operation. Mediation may be able to solve disagreements, and even salvage the relationship. Mediation can help each party to understand what happened and where any miscommunication occurred. Not all issues might be resolved; however, it is a good first step that often gets results. 

Mediation Can Satisfy Unpleased Clients

If a customer or client is planning on suing you over an incident or accident, a business lawyer might encourage mediation first. Mediation can ease tempers and hot emotions. The result can be satisfactory for everyone involved. Furthermore, the client may decide to forego the lawsuit or litigation – a favorable result for the business. 

There are a number of advantages to going through mediation sessions when a dispute has arisen. Having a business lawyer can make a big difference in how the mediation goes. 

Are You Looking for a Business Lawyer for Mediation?

If you are looking for the right business lawyer, please know that most law firms:

• Offer initial consultations for all new clients
• Have years of experience
• Will not treat your case like another number
• Offer a broad number of services
• Are well versed in business law
• Are experienced mediators
• Have successfully resolved thousands of issues through mediation
• Can take your case to mediation or court if your mediation is unsuccessful

If you are involved in a business dispute and believe a business lawyer can help you, please do not delay in consulting a law firm for immediate advice and assistance.

 

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Thanks to Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC for their insight into business law.