Workers’ compensation is business insurance designed to provide defined benefits when an employee experiences a qualifying injury or illness arising from their work.
Depending on applicable state law and policy terms, benefits may include necessary medical care, partial wage replacement, disability benefits, rehabilitation services, and death benefits for qualifying dependents.
Coverage requirements, exemptions, benefit levels, and approved insurance arrangements vary by state.
Workers’ compensation policies and state requirements are not identical. Review the policy documents and applicable state rules before selecting coverage.
Coverage may help pay eligible medical expenses associated with a covered workplace injury or occupational illness.
Benefits can include authorized doctor visits, hospital care, medication, diagnostic testing, and necessary treatment, subject to applicable rules.
When a covered condition prevents an employee from working, workers’ compensation may replace a portion of eligible lost wages.
The amount, waiting period, duration, and eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction and type of disability.
Rehabilitation benefits may help an injured employee recover function, return to work, or prepare for suitable employment.
Depending on the claim, this may include physical, occupational, or vocational rehabilitation services.
Temporary or permanent disability benefits may be available when a covered injury affects an employee’s ability to perform their job.
Benefit classifications and payment calculations depend on applicable workers’ compensation law.
If a covered workplace incident results in an employee’s death, qualifying dependents may be eligible for death benefits.
Benefits may include funeral expenses and financial support, subject to state law and eligibility requirements.
Workers’ compensation policies commonly include employer’s liability coverage for certain employee injury claims outside the benefits provided by workers’ compensation law.
Coverage remains subject to policy limits, exclusions, and legal requirements.
Slips, falls, lifting injuries, burns, cuts, machinery accidents, and vehicle-related incidents may result in workers’ compensation claims when they arise from employment.
Certain illnesses caused or aggravated by workplace exposures may qualify for benefits when the required connection to employment is established.
Conditions that develop over time through repetitive workplace activities may qualify when supported by the facts, medical evidence, and applicable law.
Remote work does not automatically eliminate workplace injury exposure. Eligibility depends on where and how the incident occurred and its relationship to employment.
Hiring, sending, or allowing employees to work in another state can affect coverage and compliance requirements. Policy state listings should be reviewed carefully.
Calling a worker an independent contractor does not by itself determine their legal status. Classification depends on the working relationship and applicable law.
Workers’ compensation does not cover every injury, illness, person, or circumstance. Depending on applicable law and policy terms, coverage may not apply to:
Coverage decisions depend on the specific facts, applicable law, and policy provisions.
Employers should establish a clear process for employees to report workplace injuries and illnesses as soon as possible.
Prompt reporting can support timely medical attention, preserve important facts, and help the employer meet applicable notice and claim-reporting deadlines.
When an incident occurs, document the date, location, people involved, nature of the injury, and available witness information. Notify the insurance carrier according to the policy’s reporting instructions.
Workers’ compensation premiums may be influenced by:
Policies are commonly subject to a payroll audit. Accurate payroll and employee classification information can help reduce unexpected adjustments.
Construction and trade businesses may face elevated risks involving heights, tools, equipment, vehicles, and physically demanding work.
Explore our Contractors Insurance page.
Kitchen burns, cuts, lifting injuries, slips, and repetitive tasks can create distinct employee risks.
Learn about Restaurant Insurance.
Office employees may still experience slips, falls, repetitive-motion injuries, lifting injuries, or work-related travel incidents.
Nonprofits should consider paid staff duties, community programs, events, travel, and the distinction between employees and volunteers.
Explore Nonprofit Insurance.
General liability insurance generally addresses covered claims involving bodily injury or property damage suffered by third parties.
Workers’ compensation is designed for covered work-related injuries and illnesses involving employees. A business may need both forms of insurance because each addresses different exposures.
Workers’ compensation may be one part of a broader insurance program. Depending on your operations, consider:
Visit our Commercial Insurance page to explore additional coverage options.
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Workers’ compensation is business insurance designed to provide defined benefits when an employee experiences a qualifying work-related injury or occupational illness. Depending on applicable law and the claim, benefits may include medical care, partial wage replacement, rehabilitation, disability payments, and death benefits.
Workers’ compensation requirements vary by state and may depend on employee count, industry, ownership structure, and other factors. Employers should confirm the requirements that apply in every state where their employees work.
Coverage may help pay eligible medical expenses associated with a covered workplace injury or occupational illness. These may include authorized doctor visits, hospital care, medication, diagnostic testing, treatment, and other necessary medical services, subject to applicable rules.
Workers’ compensation may replace a portion of eligible lost wages when a covered condition prevents an employee from working. The percentage, waiting period, duration, maximum benefit, and eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction and claim.
Rehabilitation benefits may be available to help an injured employee recover, return to work, or prepare for suitable employment. Depending on the claim and applicable law, benefits may include physical therapy, occupational rehabilitation, or vocational rehabilitation.
Certain occupational illnesses may qualify when the required relationship between the employee’s condition and their work is established. Ordinary illnesses without a sufficient employment connection may not qualify.
Independent contractors are generally treated differently from employees, but simply calling someone an independent contractor does not determine their legal status. Classification depends on the actual working relationship and applicable law. Misclassification can create insurance, tax, and legal consequences.
Pricing may be based on employee payroll, job classifications, business operations, work locations, prior claims, experience modification factors, policy limits, and available insurance programs. Policies are commonly subject to a payroll audit.
No. Workers’ compensation is designed for qualifying work-related injuries and illnesses involving employees. General liability insurance generally addresses covered bodily injury and property damage claims involving third parties.
You may need to provide your business activities, employee count, job duties, estimated payroll by classification, work locations, ownership information, prior coverage, and loss history. Begin on the Get a Quote page.
