If you’re a company driver, you’re probably covered by worker’s compensation insurance. But you may have only a vague idea of what this benefit is all about.
In the September issue of RoadStar magazine, Senior Editor Patricia Smith walks drivers through the basics or worker’s compensation.
Worker’s compensation is insurance that pays medical expenses, a portion of lost income and other related expenses if a worker is injured or becomes ill on the job. Most states require all but the very smallest businesses (three to five employees) carry the insurance for their employees. In most states, it’s elective for sole proprieters or self-employed persons, so owner-operators normally aren’t required by law to have worker’s comp coverage.
The article covers what qualifies as an on-the-job injury or illness, what worker’s comp pays for, how to file a worker’s comp claim, and what to do if a claim is denied or you’re unable to go back to your old job.
For instance, when filing a claim, Smith writes, it’s important to notify your supervisor or benefits coordinator as soon as possible after an injury; if you miss a deadline, you could lose out on benefits. And it’s important to keep good records; if a claim is denied, it’s going to be up to you to prove that your illness or injury was work-related.
To learn more, see the September issue of RoadStar. To learn where you can get a copy or sign up for a subscription, go to www.roadstaronline.com.