According to Google, employment is the condition of having paid work. Some people define employment as a way to put food on the table, have a place to live, and have some leisure along the way. It’s not just a source of income for some, but it’s something that gives them status in society.
Generally, employment gives an individual a sense of well-being because of so many benefits and opportunities it may provide, like:
- Personal Growth
Employment keeps the individual occupied and challenged to improve their skills. Challenges met and achieved will boost self-worth. And the income from the job will enable the individual to support and pursue personal interests, hobbies, and even leisure activities.
- Financial Growth
Employment is a means to provide for personal and family needs. Personal growth in the workplace will also bring about financial gain. Becoming more familiar and skilled in work means the worker is more productive. And as production increases, employee compensation will also increase.
- Social Standing
Being employed also means membership in work circles and other organizations that promote employee goodwill. Membership to these groups establishes linkages, support groups, and representations. It also gives the worker a sense of belongingness and improved social standing.
Provisions On Employment
- Employment or labor is protected by constitutions worldwide as it’s one of the foundations of a good government
- Employment is protected by governments because it’s the reason why economies thrive
- Employment is composed of the working public, a significant portion of the general public whom the government has to protect according to the mandate of the general welfare clause
- Employment gives both the employee and the employer the security provided by law
And since workers may face hazards in their work environment, where work accidents can’t be prevented, they’re given the right to seek assistance for injuries suffered.
The International Labour Organization has set standards where every worker worldwide will somehow be protected and that every worker is duly compensated as the need arises, according to law. The hazards faced by a working man vary. Laws among countries may differ regarding the requirements for receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This benefit may be for job displacement, disability, medical, or death.
In California, the law prohibits company policies that discriminate against employees from filing claims for injury compensation. The workers’ right to work includes their right to be compensated for any injuries sustained while on the job. That’s why companies have precautionary safety standards for employees and the work premises.
Businesses in many countries are often obliged to have worker’s compensation insurance for their employees. The labor standards worldwide protect the employees and the employers whose capital is also at stake.
The Crucial Elements Of Employee Injury Benefit
Like every benefit, there are requirements needed before workers can claim from worker’s compensation proceeds. These elements are crucial as non-observance may result in the denial of the worker’s compensation claim.
Below are some of the crucial elements:
- Timely Reporting Of Injury
The injured worker has to report immediately to the employer the injury suffered. A prompt report is also needed when an injury is experienced, even if its symptoms have developed over time. The employer has to take the necessary steps, like:
- Needed medical assistance
- Injury investigation
- Insurance claim
The law requires that the employer report a work-related injury within 30 days to be eligible for worker’s compensation claims. After a timely report, the employer shall assist the worker in filling up and filing the claim form and submit it within the period provided. Delay in reporting an injury may result in a denied claim.
The worker’s claim may be for a replacement benefit for lost wages due to the injury, or the worker may apply for medical coverage for the injury sustained while in the performance of his duties
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- Injury Is Work-Related
The worker’s injury had to have happened on the job. It could be at work or while carrying out the assigned duties outside. It could also be a long-term injury sustained while performing assigned duties. There must be a link between the job done and the worker’s injury.
Some of these injuries are strains, sprains, cuts, fractures, contusions, and loss of any or all of the five basic senses that may have resulted from work-related incidents or hazards.
- Employer Have Coverage
The employer must have worker’s compensation coverage for their employee to avail of the benefit. Not all companies have this benefit for their employees. An employer’s duty to provide injury compensation insurance coverage varies from one state to another, but it’s generally based on employee count, business type, and job duties.
Even if not required, many employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Even though they’re exempted, they chose to observe the system. This allows workers to be compensated for injuries, and they can’t sue their employer even with due cause.
- Claimant Is An Employee
Every type of employee is bound by the rules and standards of the job they are being hired for. One of the requirements for employees to claim compensation or injury benefit is the legality of their employment. It’s one of the legal safeguards in place to protect the employer from claims that rightfully belong only to legitimate employees of the company.
There have been cases of claims from employees taking advantage of the availability of injury benefits. Employers are obliged by law to give sufficient proof of employment, while workers have the burden of proving that their injuries were suffered while at work as legitimate employees.
The worker’s employment contract and other related documents that prove the employer-employee relationship may prove employment validity. Even verbal agreements between the employer and the worker may be recognized by law as legitimate employer-employee relationships.
In Conclusion
A worker’s right to be compensated for an injury sustained on the job is subject to the limitations imposed by law. On the other hand, the employer is also required by law that every precautionary measure must be in place to protect the worker in the work environment. Otherwise, the employer must bear the burden of providing the compensation benefit due to its worker.
However, as long as employment is valid, the employer has a compensation insurance package, the injury incident was promptly reported, and the injury is work-related, the injury benefits claim may be sustained.
Scenarios and incidents may differ, especially from state to state, but the above elements are crucial in all United States.
