This Month: What Is Workers Compensation Insurance?

As we close out 2009 and look forward to 2010 we have dedicated this month's newsletter to the subject: "What is Workers Compensation Insurance?"  If you own a business with employees or you yourself are an employee, take the time to read the various articles. Workers Compensation insurance can be confusing so our goal is to help you better understand its provisions and benefits.

We do value our relationship with you and strive to assist you in your personal and/or business endeavors. We are always here to help you with any questions you may have. Send us an email or call with any questions you may have.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.

Regards,

Robert B. Hall, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, ARM, ARM-P
What Is Worker's Compensation Insurance?

Workers compensation insurance covers the cost of medical care and rehabilitation for workers injured on the job. It also compensates them for lost wages and provides death benefits for their dependents if they are killed in work-related accidents, including terrorist attacks.

Workers compensation systems vary from state to state. State statutes and court decisions control many aspects, including the handling of claims, the evaluation of impairment and settlement of disputes, the amount of benefits injured workers receive and the strategies used to control costs. 
 
More

What Kind Of Benefits Will I Receive?

The workers' compensation system provides replacement income, medical expenses, and sometimes vocational rehabilitation benefits -- that is, on-the-job training, schooling, or job placement assistance. The benefits paid through workers' compensation, however, are almost always relatively modest.

If you become temporarily unable to work, you'll usually receive two-thirds of your average wage up to a fixed ceiling. But because these payments are tax-free, if you received decent wages prior to your injury, you'll fare reasonably well in most states. You will be eligible for these wage-loss replacement benefits as soon as you've lost a few days of work because of an injury or illness that is covered by workers' compensation.

More

Rehabilitation Rights Of Injured Workers



The word "rehabilitation" in the area of workers' compensation has two very different meanings. When most people think of rehabilitation, they think of physical therapy or rehabilitative care aimed at overcoming an injury and regaining functionality. Did you know that there is also vocational rehabilitation? In many states, injured workers who cannot return to their former employment are entitled to this type of rehabilitation at the expense of their employer's workers' compensation carrier.


The amount and type of vocational rehabilitation provided to injured employees, as with any other workers' compensation law, varies greatly between jurisdictions. Some of the services which an injured worker may be entitled to include:
  • On-the-job training
  • Transferable skills analysis and testing
  • Resume and job application completion services
  • Interview skills and techniques assistance
  • Labor market surveys
  • Job analysis
More

Our Customers Speak!



Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS Training Institute is the busiest Emergency Medical Service in Chester County.  We also have the largest quantity of volunteers in the county providing emergency ambulance services and training. Within this industry we are always going somewhere quickly and putting ourselves in harm's way. Francis Hall and Keystone Volunteer Insurance Group have helped us protect our members for many years.

They are always knowledgeable regarding every aspect of insurance and risk management. Being a non-profit, they are always helping us find ways to provide the best coverage at the lowest costs. I have always recommended them to all my peers in the EMS and Fire service. Through Keystone Volunteer Insurance Group, we have protected everyone from Board members to students, EMT's to career staff.

They, like us, are always there when you need them.

Respectfully,

William M. Wells, Sr., BS, EMT-P
Executive Director
Suggestions for Maintaining Workers' Comp Coverage Without Losing the Shirt Off Your Back



Undoubtedly, one of the major goals of any employer is to make a profit. Sometimes, it may become tempting to cut corners in order to make more money. One thing that should never be sacrificed is workers' compensation insurance coverage. Given the price that many employers must pay for workers' compensation premiums, is there any way that they can keep the costs down? You bet. Here are ten of them.

Check Your Policy for Accuracy
  1. If you are a very small employer, check the number of individuals on your payroll. Many states have an exception for employers who have fewer than a certain number of employees (usually 3 or 5). These very small employers are not required to carry workers' compensation insurance. If you have recently had an employee or two leave your employ, it is possible that you could now qualify for the exception.
  2. Review your payroll. Has overtime been included in your calculations for purposes of computing your premium? Some states allow workers' compensation premiums to be calculated on regular payroll figures, excluding overtime. If overtime has been included in your premium calculation, ask if it can be removed. The less payroll you have, the less your premium will be.
More
Quick Links
 
FRANCIS HALL INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES 
1065 Andrew Drive, Suite B1  P.O. Box 5010  West Chester  PA 19380-5010
610-696-5100     1-800-851-HALL     Fax 610-696-9358     www.francishall.com