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Kentucky Workers Compensation Law Facts And Information

By David Brooks


Workers compensation is insurance that offers cash benefits or medical care for workers who get injured as a direct result of the work they do. For those who live in Kentucky workers compensation law refer to a set of rules in various states that are designed to pay expenses of workers who might be harmed while at work. The employees can recover wages they have lost, medical expenses and disability payments. Costs associated with rehabilitation and retraining will also be taken care of.

The system is administered by the state and is financed through contributions of employers. Persons employed by the federal government also access the same program. The laws were enacted by states to replace the traditional injury laws. This was done so that risk gets removed from employees and employers. Outside the system of compensation, employees who get injured or get sick because of employment can file lawsuits to prove the employer should take responsibility.

When a case is filed in this way, it will result in delays and it is also possible that such an employee might lose the case and recover nothing. From the perspective of the employer, the compensation eliminates any possibility of litigation that may lead to larger damage demands. Even in instances when an employer acts with negligence and their employee is hurt or killed, they will only be responsible for ordinary contributions to the system. In essence, it is an insurance program.

In exchange for certainty with which the program comes, there is also the price for beneficiaries. Workers will not be allowed to sue employers or their fellow employees for negligence. They cannot benefit as much from lawsuits. For employers, the main shortcoming is premium that is charged. It will be an addition to the payroll that must always be paid should there be an accident or not.

Every state will provide exceptions which allow a worker to bypass statutes set and file lawsuits for certain damages. This will include a situation in which a co-worker or employer has intentionally harmed a worker. There will also be exceptions when employees get injured by defective products or those that are explosive. In such cases, one is allowed to file lawsuits against third parties like drivers or landowners.

It is important to understand the procedure in cases that are contested. When a worker files a claim, they may be surprised that their employer is disputing the validity of that claim. An employer will have an incentive to dispute a claim if they feel it is not proper. This is because rates they pay are affected by number of claims on their behalf. State workers compensation boards investigate claims and make decisions.

As this happens, the employee is seen by a physician. It is the physician who performs evaluation on behalf of the state. If the board rules that the claim at hand is not covered, there is room for appeal. This helps employees who are not contented with the rulings.

The best way for an employee to protect his or her right under compensation law is through retaining legal counsel. The services of an attorney will come in handy. Attorneys know how best to present their cases.




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