What are the laws that govern workers’ compensation insurance in Indiana?

According to the Indiana Work Comp Lab website

“The laws of Indiana make it clear that every employer must have workers comp coverage. The exceptions include state and municipal workers (self- insured entities), railroad workers, certain federal employment, and casual labor. The penalties for uninsured employers are substantial.

Workers’ compensation insurance guarantees important benefits for the well-being of employees and their families. Many occupations have high risk, and even low-risk occupations encounter unforeseen and terrible events. Worker’s compensation provides immediate medical and financial assistance.

The immediacy and reliability of employee benefits are vital to the well-being of workers and their families. It may do someone little good to pursue months or years to get an uncertain remedy when the needs are definite and immediate.”

What are the most commonly asked questions about workers’ comp insurance in Indiana?

According to the Indiana State website:

Q: What is Workers’ Compensation?
A: Worker’s compensation is an accident insurance program paid by your employer which may provide you with medical, rehabilitation and income benefits if you are injured on the job. These benefits are provided to help you return to work. It also provides benefits to your dependents if you die as the result of a job-related injury.

Q: How long do I have to work to be covered by Workers Compensation?
A: You are covered from the first day you are on the job.

Q: How do I know if my businesses qualifies for Workers Compensation?
A: The law requires most businesses to have worker’s compensation insurance. If you are injured while working at your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Q: When should I report an accident that happened on the job?
A: You should report any accident to your employer (boss, foreman, or supervisor) immediately. If you wait more then 30 days your claim may be denied.

Q: When do I get my compensation?
A: If you are unable to return to work for more then seven days you are entitled to weekly income benefits. The first weekly installment should be mailed 15 days after the date of injury. You will not be paid for the first week of lost time until you have been out 21 days.

Q: How much will my weekly compensation be?
A: If you are unable to work (temporarily totally disabled), you will receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage for the past 52 weeks, but not more than $600 per week for an accident which occurred on or after July 1, 2006.

Q: What do I do if I have trouble receiving benefits or compensation from my employers Workers Compensation insurance carrier?
A: First, talk with your employer’s insurance carrier or your self-insured employer to find out why your claim is denied. Often disputes can be resolved by sharing information or obtaining medical records.

If you cannot resolve the dispute, you can contact our ombudsman division to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution options. If these alternatives do not help you must file an Application for Adjustment of your claim with the Workers Compensation Board. This form is available on the Workers Compensation website.

Most workers’ compensation claims are resolved to the satisfaction of the injured employee, employer, and insurance carrier. Usually, the appropriate payments are made and services provided. However, there are times when the employee disagrees with an employer’s/carrier’s decision and wants to formally challenge that decision.

Q: How long do I have to file an Application for Adjustment of my claim if I have a dispute with my employer about Workers Compensation?
A: The statute of limitations runs two years after the last date of compensation paid or in the alternative two years from the date of injury. The Workers Compensation Board is unable to give legal advice about statute of limitations specific to your claim, please contact legal counsel.

How do I get workers’ comp for my Indiana business?

Workers’ compensation insurance in Indiana can be obtained easily through our free quote service. Once an Indiana employer obtains workers’ comp insurance or authority to self-insure, the employer is required to post a notice of workers’ compensation insurance advising their employees of the coverage and of the employee’s right to reject this coverage. The employer is also required to supply “rejection” forms for employees.