As an employee, chances are you face different kinds of risks on the job every day. And while your employer may have insurance to protect the business in case of an accident, what happens if you’re the one who gets hurt? That’s where workers’ compensation comes in.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who get injured or become ill as a result of their job. In Kentucky, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. There are four main types of benefits that workers’ compensation provides.
Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation may cover the cost of your medical treatment, including hospital stays, prescriptions and physical therapy.
Wage replacement benefits: If you’re unable to work because of your injury or illness, workers’ compensation may provide you with a portion of your lost wages.
Death benefits: If a worker dies as a result of a job-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation may provide financial assistance to the worker’s surviving spouse and dependents.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits: If you’re unable to return to your previous job because of your injury or illness, workers’ compensation may provide you with vocational rehabilitation services to help you find a new job.
What are the eligibility requirements for workers’ compensation in Kentucky?
In order to be eligible for workers’ compensation in Kentucky, you must be an employee of a Kentucky-based company and your job must be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. You also need to have sustained a work-related injury or illness that has resulted in missed work days, wage loss, or death.
How do you file a workers’ compensation claim in Kentucky?
The first step in filing a workers’ compensation claim is to notify your employer of your injury or illness. They will then have the option of either accepting or denying your claim. If they accept your claim, they will provide you with the necessary paperwork to file a workers’ compensation claim.
If your employer denies your claim, you can file a workers’ compensation appeal with the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims. You will need to submit a written request for an appeal along with any supporting documentation.
In Kentucky, you have two years from the date of your injury or illness to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you miss this deadline, you will be unable to receive benefits.