After an injury at work, no matter how minor, workers’ compensation is typically meant to cover your medical costs, disability payments and other expenses incurred. While workers’ compensation varies across the United States, employers typically pay out workers’ comp. in one of three ways: through a private insurance company, from a state-run program or by financially compensating employees themselves.
Insurance Companies
Most states allow employers to purchase workers’ comp. insurance through a private company like Liberty Mutual, AIG or Zurich Insurance. Your employer pays a premium (depending on the number of employees) each month and the private insurance company pays the workers’ compensation benefits either directly to you or your employer, who then passes it on to you.
State-Run Programs
Employers may also obtain workers’ compensation insurance through a state-run program or insurance fund. Often, smaller employers prone to less workplace injuries get insurance through state-run programs. The state department responsible for administering the program pays your workers’ compensation, the same way a private insurance company would.
Self-Insurance
If your employer is large enough, they may be able to operate their own health plan, known as being “self-insured.” An employer may self-insure to save the profit margin an insurance company adds to its premium; however, if a personal injury claim becomes too expensive, it can severely hurt the employer. When it comes to self-insurance, your employer is responsible for paying your workers’ compensation directly to you.
Regardless of your situation, you should immediately contact our South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers. Our law firm has been devoted to the workers of South Carolina for over 40 years. Give us a call today to learn more about your options. We’re available 24/7 to offer you a free consultation. We’ll even go to your home, office or hospital room to talk.
Call us now at 888-612-7001.