Does Worker’s Compensation Insurance Protect Your Business from Lawsuits Related to On-the-job Accidents?

Businesses in Boise, ID, are generally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. While it may feel like just another operating expense, workers’ compensation coverage plays a critical role in protecting your business. If an employee is injured while performing job-related duties, this coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, potentially saving your business tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Workers’ compensation is considered no-fault coverage, meaning employees typically receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident. In exchange, employees usually give up the right to sue their employer for work-related injuries or illnesses.

Can You Ever Be Sued for a Work-Related Injury?

In most cases, workers’ compensation insurance protects your business from employee lawsuits related to on-the-job injuries. However, there are limited circumstances in which legal action may still occur.

For example, an injured employee may file a lawsuit against a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor, if that party contributed to the accident. In some cases, that third party may then attempt to seek damages from your business. Additionally, surviving family members may pursue legal action if a work-related accident results in a fatality or severe, life-altering injury, depending on the circumstances.

Employer’s liability insurance helps protect your business in these situations. This coverage is typically included in a standard workers’ compensation policy and can help cover legal defense costs and damages arising from certain employee injury claims. Reviewing your policy details is essential to ensure your coverage limits are adequate.

Need More Information? Fuhriman Insurance Agency Can Help

Fuhriman Insurance Agency offers a wide range of commercial insurance solutions for businesses in Boise, ID, across many industries. Contact our team today to learn more about workers’ compensation coverage, employer’s liability protection, or to explore a customized insurance bundle for your business.</

What To Do If You Suspect Workers’ Comp Fraud

It doesn’t happen often, but in the event of a workplace injury, there are people who will try to take more than their fair share or even try to deceive you into giving them more than they deserve. Fraud is bad for everyone and should be reported. Things like vague or inconsistent details about the incident, lack of witnesses or the employee making themselves hard to contact are some major red flags. You will need evidence that someone is abusing the system before taking action. When you have that, you can file a report, anonymously if you want. Learn more from the professionals at Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID and surrounding areas. 

Steps To Take 

You can bring the information you have to the attention of your manager, workers’ comp policy administrator, Idaho Department of Labor or your insurance carrier. Leave the investigation to the professionals. The insurance carrier’s special investigative unit (SUI) can handle it. They will want the subject’s name and address, all pertinent details of the incident, noticed inconsistencies, statements from witnesses, video or photo evidence and any social media activity that contradicts the claim. Cooperate with the investigators. Do not terminate the employee or discipline them in any way until the investigation is complete. Consult your legal counsel before taking action to make sure that everything you’re doing is compliant with labor laws. Go through all the proper channels so that you may maintain the integrity of the workers’ compensation system for the benefit of honest workers. 

The Fuhriman Insurance Agency Serves Boise, ID and Beyond 

If you require assistance with workers’ comp insurance for your business, we here at the Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID and surrounding areas, are happy to help.