Although many people never get hurt on the job, there are people who are injured everyday. You could become one of these people too. For this reason, you need to understand a few things about workers' compensation because it is an important benefit for employees. The following are a few things you should know.

Workers' compensation is private insurance covering employees

This is an insurance policy that a business will carry to cover employees in case they are injured at work. It is a private insurance that does not relate to the government. Often, people will confuse this with disability benefits. However, that is part of Social Security and is not related to workers' compensation. If you are injured on the job, you will need to file for workers' compensation benefits through your employer.

You need to report the injury to your employer

You should do this immediately. Most employers encourage this, and they will often have a procedure that includes seeking medical attention. Many employers will require a drug test. Don't be offended by this. It is simply standard procedure that is required by insurance companies. An insurance company can deny a claim if the injured worker tests positive for any number of drugs. But it is possible to have a claim denied because of a substance that has been prescribed to you. In this case, you need to contact an attorney right away.

There are many reasons your claim can be denied

Filing a claim is straightforward, but claims are denied routinely by insurance companies. Failing a drug test is one, but your claim can be denied because the injury did not relate to your work. It is not enough that you were hurt on the job; an insurance company will want to know that it happened while you were performing your job. If you were hurt during your lunch break doing something other than your job, your claim may be denied. If your injury happened first thing Monday morning, they may say you were injured over the weekend.

Always consult an attorney when you have problems

Whether it is a denied claim or a long, incomprehensible delay in receiving benefits, always speak to an attorney. They not only understand the laws regarding workers' compensation, but they are the only ones on your side. Your employer will seldom take your side, and the insurance company is never on your side.

Workers' compensation is a private insurance, paid by your employer, that protects loss of income when you are injured on the job. These policies are to benefit you, but always follow your employer's procedure after an accident. In lieu of a procedure, always inform your employer and seek medical attention. Although many claims are processed without problems, when you do have a problem, contact a workers' compensation attorney immediately. Visit websites like http://mcmullenochs.com to learn more.