The Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and Non-Subscriber Employers
In some states, employers are allowed to opt out of workers’ compensation. To be allowed to opt-out, the company may still offer compensation to its workers if they receive an injury on the job. These are called non-subscribers. Non-subscribers usually provide an alternative plan. This plan may pay for some injuries that an employee might have suffered while on the job. However, this is not the same as workers’ compensation.
What is the difference between a non-subscriber and an employer with workers’ compensation?
Coverage Differences
Workers’ compensation provides coverage for lost wages and medical expenses. The coverage may even last indefinitely. With a non-subscriber employer, on the other hand, the company may cover fewer injuries and the employer can stop payment at any time. The employer does not have to protect your job either.
Coverage Issues
The issue that a lot of employees run into when it comes to non-subscriber employers is that the employers may provide inadequate coverage. Sometimes, the amount that they cover won’t cover the treatment costs. Also, since the employer can make exceptions for certain injuries, it may feel unfair when your injuries or illnesses are not covered. When it comes to non-subscriber benefits, the employer has all of the control. The reporting window may be small, you may have no medical privacy and if you are denied, the appeal process might be unfair too.
Employer lawsuits
If your employer has workers’ compensation coverage for his or her employees, then you cannot sue the employer if you suffer injuries on the job. If you’re injured, you would rely on the policies and benefits that your employer invested in. When your employer does not have workers’ compensation coverage, however, you are allowed to file a lawsuit. Even if you receive benefits, you can still file a lawsuit. You can file a claim against your employer if the policy does not cover your injuries, if there are no workplace safety programs in place, if your employee retaliates against you for the injury or if the employer was somehow at fault.
Workers’ compensation is designed to protect employees if they are injured on the job. While non-subscriber plans can do the same, they are not always adequate and some employees still have to file a lawsuit. To find out if you have a case against your employer, set up a meeting with a personal injury attorney, like Expert Legal Opinions as soon as possible.