5 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU GET HURT AT WORK - (PART TWO)
When you file a Worker's Compensation claim, you are NOT suing your employer.
In part one of this series, 5 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU GET HURT AT WORK, we outlined the five key benefits and protections you are entitled to receive if you get hurt at work in New Hampshire.
The second important thing to know is that when you file a claim for a work injury you are not suing your employer.
In fact, in New Hampshire employees aren't allowed to sue their employer for a work injury with very few exceptions. An employee's right to sue for a work injury was eliminated and replaced with an insurance system aimed at better protecting employees while avoiding the awkward, hard feelings that would come from employees suing employers for work injuries.
That's right, every employer in New Hampshire with more than one employee is required to purchase Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage to pay for their employees' work related medical treatment and time out of work.
In exchange for carrying that insurance, employees can't sue their employer for those injuries. (There are some exceptions like in cases of injury due to wrongful termination or discrimination.)
That means making a claim for medical bills or lost wages due to a work injury is not suing your employer.
It's asking the insurance company to pay the benefits your boss bought and paid for.
When you make a claim for payment of lost wages, your not asking your employer to pay you; you're asking the insurance company to pay. The same goes for payment of medical bills. I imagine you wouldn't hesitate to let your doctor send their bill for treating your sore throat to your health insurance company, right? It's not much different here and you shouldn't hesitate to send your bills for lost wages and medical treatment to the workers' compensation insurance company when those lost wages and medical bills are as a result of an injury at work.
Workers' compensation Insurance is your right and the best way to protect you and your family if you get hurt at work. Learn more at www.ricelaw-office.com.
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