Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that many employers are required to carry by law. It provides financial resources to workers who become injured or ill while performing their job duties. In most cases, an individual gives up the right to sue their employer for negligence in exchange for receiving these benefits, which cover medical expenses and lost wages. You must meet a few basic criteria to qualify for these benefits. Below is a general overview of workers’ compensation eligibility requirements.

Your Employer Carries Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Each state has laws governing which employers must provide workers’ compensation. This requirement depends on the number of employees, the business type, and the nature of their work. Even if business owners aren’t required to carry this insurance, they purchase it to prevent lawsuits and meet their employees’ needs after a job-related accident or illness. Your employer must have a workers’ comp policy in place for you to receive benefits.

You Are an Employee

You must be defined as an actual employee of the company to be covered by workers’ compensation. This means you can’t be an independent contractor, volunteer, freelancer, or consultant. However, it doesn’t matter if you are a full-time, part-time, or seasonal employee. Verify your employment status to determine whether this insurance applies to you.

The Injury or Illness Can Be Directly Attributed to Your Job

Workers’ compensation claimants need to show that their injury or illness occurred as a direct result of their job. This means you must be performing work-related duties either on the company’s premises, while working remotely, or when taking care of tasks for your employer off-site. Workers’ comp doesn’t cover incidents that happen on the way to or from work or during a designated lunch break.

It’s important for business owners and employees alike to understand the qualifications for workers’ compensation before filing a claim. Arlene Lear Insurance of Bolivar and Humansville, MO, offers a wide range of high-quality commercial insurance products that help business owners preserve their interests and protect their employees. They take the time to make sure each client purchases adequate coverage to fulfill their obligations under the law. Contact the Bolivar office at (417) 777-3000 or the Humansville location at (417) 754-8377 to discuss your company’s needs, and visit them online to learn more about valuable products like life and health insurance.