The worker’s compensation system is designed to provide vital financial support and medical care to employees who have been injured on the job. However, the laws governing workers’ rights in the aftermath of an accident are extremely complex, especially if your medical condition requires long-term care. If you’ve been injured at work, hiring a worker’s compensation attorney to explain the law and help you navigate the process will help ensure you get the full benefits you deserve.

A Brief Guide to Worker’s Compensation Law

Who Is Covered

Almost every state requires most employers to carry some type of worker’s compensation system, either by purchasing insurance from a private carrier or participating in a state-managed program. In Kentucky, for example, every business with more than a single employee must buy an insurance policy, even if they only have part-time or seasonal workers.

No Burden to Prove Negligence

Unlike personal injury suits, worker’s comp claims don’t require injured parties to prove that their accident was caused by their employer’s negligence. In most jurisdictions, you can file a claim even if your own actions contributed to your injuries, although you might be denied if you had drugs or alcohol in your system at the time of the accident.

Types of Benefits Available

In addition to medical care, worker’s compensation will pay a portion of your wages until you’ve recovered enough to return to work. If your doctors don’t believe you’ll ever be able to perform your previous duties, these benefits may continue for the rest of your life. In some states, worker’s comp may also pay for retraining if you’re too badly hurt to work in your industry again. A skilled worker’s compensation attorney will help ensure you get all of the benefits to which you’re entitled.

As one of Somerset, KY’s most experienced worker’s compensation attorneys, Mark D. Knight Attorney at Law has been helping victims navigate the process for over 30 years. If you’ve been hurt in a workplace accident or developed an occupational illness, this legal team will ensure your rights are protected. To discuss your injury and schedule a consultation with a worker’s compensation attorney, call their offices now at (606) 679-7411 or visit them online.