Why You Should Always Carry Your Workers’ Compensation Information
Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of Prussia created the first modern system of workers’ compensation in 1884. From there it gradually spread throughout the western world with various adaptations to suit each country or society’s specific goals and agendas. This system served as the basic model for social insurance programs including those that regulate workers compensation in the United States today.
Overview of Workers’ Compensation
The insurance requirements for workers’ compensation vary greatly for employers from state to state. There are some states that always require it for all companies, regardless of size or number of employees; while other states do not require it at all, even for big companies. And there are some states that require workers compensation insurance only for businesses that have a certain number of regular employees. Georgia, for instance, requires all businesses that employ three or more persons regularly to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This holds true whether the employees are part-time or full-time hires.
For the uninitiated, understanding and applying the laws that govern workers comp in America can be likened to the experience of going through an endless maze or intricate labyrinth of rules and regulations, exemptions and inclusions, paperwork, deadlines and the unexpected. This complexity has given rise to numerous legal practices throughout the country that specialize in interpreting workers’ compensation laws and helping clients navigate the system successfully.
Keep Your Information Accessible
If you work for a company that has workers’ compensation insurance, it is important to always carry your insurance information with you. Coverage varies greatly from state to state, of course, but some insurance companies provide coverage for workers even when they are traveling. You may be eligible to apply for workers’ comp if you have an accident while on a business trip, or while driving a company vehicle, or even on your daily commute to work. Having your information on you can make a difference in getting you the medical help and service you may require as a result of the accident.
