If you have been injured while working, one important factor to look for is whether your employer has workers’ comp insurance. Without it, you may not receive the financial compensation or medical coverage that you need to move forward with managing your injury. Although some employers are required by law to carry workers comp insurance, many do not.
If this is the case for your employer and you’ve been injured on the job, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your rights as an employee continue to be respected and enforced. This blog post will explain what to do if your employer does not provide a workers comp policy.
What Is Workers Comp Insurance?
Workers Comp Insurance (WCI) is a must-have coverage for employers to protect their employees while they are at work. In the U.S., all employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. As it offers financial protection to employees who suffer an injury or illness in the workplace.
WCI covers medical expenses and lost wages due to disability as well as funeral expenses and death benefits if an employee passes away as a result of their injury or illness on the job.
Most states enforce mandatory requirements for employers to provide insurance for employees in the case of work-related injury or illness. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions from states.
What Can You Do If Your Employer Violates The Law By Not Providing Coverage?
If you are injured at work, your first instinct may be to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. However, if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, here are four things you can do:
1. Hire An Employment Law Attorney
If you have been injured at work, the best course of action in this scenario is to hire an Employment Law attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation issues. An experienced attorney will be able to review the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action. They will also review your situation and determine whether or not you have any legal recourse.
Moreover, An experienced employment law attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a claim or negotiating a settlement with your employer. In some instances, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.
2. Filing A Lawsuit Against Your Employer
If your employer is not properly insured, it may be necessary for you to file a lawsuit against them to recover the benefits that they owe you under the law.
An attorney will be able to advise you on how to proceed with this option to maximize your chances of success. Also, you will need to gather evidence to support your claim, including witness statements, medical records, and other documentation.
3. Filing A Complaint With OSHA
If you believe your employer has violated safety regulations, you can file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is responsible for investigating workplace safety violations.
They provide employees with additional protections from employers who are not properly insured or who are otherwise failing to provide safe working conditions.
If OSHA finds that employees have been harmed by their employer’s negligence or they have violated safety regulations, they issue citations or fines.
These penalties may include requiring the employer to obtain insurance retroactively, monetary fines, and even felony charges, depending on how long they have gone without proper coverage.
4. Negotiating A Settlement With Your Employer
In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a settlement with your employer without filing a lawsuit for your injuries or lost wages due to an injury sustained at work without having workers’ comp insurance coverage in place.
If you can reach an agreement with your employer, make sure that the settlement is in writing and that it is signed by both parties. An attorney can help you draft an agreement that is fair and protects your rights.
Conclusion
Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect employees from workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths caused by their employer’s negligence or recklessness. When employers fail to carry adequate insurance coverage, employees may face serious financial hardship.
If you find yourself in such a situation, you must seek legal counsel from an experienced employment law attorney, so that they can assist you in determining which course of action would best serve your interests going forward.
