In today’s world, it’s important to be protected from any potential medical mishaps or accidents. In Alaska, there are plenty of requirements in place to protect your employees and small business.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that protects both you and your employees from any illnesses or injuries sustained on the job. This type of coverage protects you from civil liability meaning an injured worker can’t sue you for work-related injuries if you carry workers’ comp insurance.

All employers in Alaska are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Carrying insurance is mandatory under the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act.

The only case in which you wouldn’t be required by the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act to carry workers’ comp coverage is if you’re a self-insured employer.

Read on to learn what’s required of you as an Alaskan employer and how to protect your business and employees from any accidents that may occur on the job.

What do Alaska small business owners need to know about workers’ compensation?

According to the Employer’s Guide to the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act, an employee is defined as an individual who is not an independent contractor and who is employed under a hiring contract. An employee must meet all of the necessary criteria outlined in the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act to be considered an independent contractor.

Family, friends, and volunteers are not exempt from workers’ compensation coverage. Any person who is employed by an employer and is not legally named as an owner of the business with adequate ownership interest must be insured.

There are also no exemptions for part-time or temporary employees. No matter the number of days or hours worked, all employees must be covered with workers’ comp.

Alaska does not have a state workers’ compensation insurance plan. Unless an employer’s business is approved to maintain self-insurance, businesses are required to purchase workers’ comp insurance. This can be done via private commercial insurance carriers that are specifically authorized to write workers’ comp insurance policies in the state of Alaska.

9 essential facts about workers’ comp insurance in Alaska

1. 1. Employers can be assessed penalties of up to $1,000 per employee for each day they’re uninsured.
   2. Employers will be assessed a mandatory $1,000 per day for violating stop-work orders.
   3. Sole proprietors and partners in Alaska aren’t legally required to carry workers’ comp insurance if they’re the only individuals working for the business. In these cases, sole proprietors can “opt-in” if they’d like to insure themselves.
   4. LLC members and corporate directors and officers are automatically exempt if they obtain a minimum 10% ownership interest in the business. LLC members and corporate directors and officers with less than 10% ownership interest are considered employees and must be insured with workers’ comp.
   5. Employers aren’t allowed to charge employees for any amount of workers’ compensation premiums. It’s a misdemeanor crime to do so.
   6. Employees aren’t allowed to waive their workers’ compensation benefits. Any verbal or written agreements to do so are invalid.
   7. Non-profits aren’t exempt from maintaining workers’ comp coverage.
   8. Executive officers and directors of nonprofits are exempt. Executive officer defined: “the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer or a corporate employee who is responsible for the corporation’s affairs generally, has a close connection with the board of directors and other officers and who is specifically designated as an executive officer by the articles of incorporation or corporation bylaws.”
   9. Employers should read the Employer’s Guide to the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act for all frequently asked questions regarding workers’ compensation coverage for their Alaska business. This is a resource for protecting employees and maintaining coverage.

Curious about Alaska workers’ comp rates?

Remember, every situation is different. Alaska workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, refer to your state legislation or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about the basics of workers’ comp or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in Alaska appeared first on Pie Insurance.

Workers’ compensation coverage exists to protect the staff of your business from any injuries or illnesses that may take place while on the job. Workers’ comp can provide your employees with:

• • Medical care and bills: Medical care from a work-related injury is typically paid at no expense to the employee. As a business owner, you’ll cover any reasonable and necessary medical charges.
  • Payments for an employee who’s permanently disabled once maximum medical improvement is reached.
  • Payments for an employee with a permanent impairment or who’s permanently disabled.
  • Payments for temporary indemnity benefits if an injured employee can’t work.
  • Survivor benefits for survivors of those killed on the job.
  • Dispute resolution through the WCA’s ombudsman, mediation, and administrative court system.

Who is covered under New Mexico workers’ comp?

All businesses in New Mexico are required to supply workers’ compensation coverage if they employ three or more workers.

Even if one of those employees works in New Mexico and the other two work in another state, your business is still required to carry workers’ comp coverage. No matter the location, if you have three or more employees, you must have workers’ comp insurance.

Anyone who works for your business may be considered an employee. This may include:

• • • Owners of other business if they work for your business
    • Family members who work for your business
    • Part-time employees
    • Temporary employees
    • Seasonal employees
    • Employees working in non-profit, charitable, and religious organizations
    • Agricultural employees
    • On-call workers

If your New Mexico business is in construction, all workers must be covered by workers’ comp. Regardless of how many people you employ, you’re required to carry workers’ compensation if your business is licensed under the provision of the Construction Industries Licensing Act.

Similarly, if your business is headquartered in a state outside New Mexico and you employ construction workers in New Mexico, you’re required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

You’re exempt from providing workers’ comp to independent contractors. There’s no one set way to label a person as an independent contractor or an employee, but there are some questions to help you determine if you’re required to provide workers’ compensation coverage:

• • • Who controls what the worker does?
    • Who controls the business aspects of the worker’s job (salary, whether work expenses are reimbursed, who provides work supplies, etc.)?
    • Do you have written contracts or employee benefits with the worker?
    • Is the work this employee performs a key aspect of the business?

Contact the Employer Compliance Bureau at (505) 841-6851 if you need help determining if someone is an independent contractor or an employee.

 What do New Mexico small business owners need to know about workers’ compensation?

There are three types of workers’ compensation coverage you can obtain as a New Mexico small business:

Conventional coverage (the voluntary market)

Private commercial companies must be licensed by the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) with its premium rates approved by the OSI to supply you with workers’ compensation in the voluntary, commercial market. 

Assigned risk pool (for high-risk employers)

If your business is high-risk, you may not be able to obtain workers’ comp coverage in the commercial or group self-insurance markets.

If you recently launched your small business, you can also be a part of this pool before seeking coverage in the commercial market.

Being in the assigned risk pool is more expensive than the voluntary market, so if your business is in the pool, you should have plans to get into another market. 

Self-insurance (for large companies)

Large businesses and government entities that are financially capable are allowed to provide their own workers’ comp insurance.

5 essential facts about workers’ comp insurance in New Mexico

1. You can face penalties for not obtaining workers’ comp coverage if you’re required to do so. These penalties can range from fines to injunctions against your business.
   • The WCA will request that you attend a hearing if you fail to obtain coverage after initial contact from the Employer Compliance Bureau.
   • Your business can be held liable for paying medical bills and a percentage of the injured employee’s wages if there’s an accident and you don’t have workers’ compensation insurance.
2. You must fulfill additional requirements when obtaining workers’ comp coverage, including:
   • Paying the workers’ comp assessment fee to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. This is a quarterly fee of $4.30 per employee each calendar quarter.
   • Displaying a copy of the Workers’ Compensation Act poster and a Notice of Accident form in an appropriate location at your business.
   • Complying with each of the workers’ comp safety inspection requirements.
3. If an employee gets injured on the job, as an employer you should:
   • Sign the Notice of Accident form.
   • Encourage any employee injured on the job to seek reasonable and necessary medical treatment.
   • Notify your insurance company within 72 hours of the injury.
   • In writing, clarify with the injured employee if you or them will have first selection of a health care provider in the case of necessary medical attention.
   • Communicate both with the insurer and the injured employee throughout the entire recovery process.
   • Provide any possible workplace accommodations for the recovering worker.
   • If you’re actively hiring (pre-injury job or modified work), you should offer to rehire the injured worker.
4. Be aware that any employee of yours who’s injured on the job should do the following:
   • Seek medical care for any job-related injuries or illnesses in a timely fashion.
   • Notify you, the business owner, within 15 days of the initial accident by completing the Notice of Accident form and giving it to you.
   • Keep lines of communication open with you, the adjuster, and health care provider.
   • Go to the authorized health care provider and inform you of which provider will offer treatment.
   • Take any prescribed medications as directed and take appropriate steps to get back to proper health.
   • Notify you when they’re medically released to return to work.
5. Your employees can continue to work while recovering from a work-related accident, as long as they’re approved by their healthcare provider to do so. This could include modified or alternative work.

 Curious about New Mexico workers’ comp rates?

Remember, every situation is different. New Mexico workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about the basics of workers’ comp or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in New Mexico appeared first on Pie Insurance.

As a Mississippi small business owner, do you need to maintain workers’ comp insurance?

If your goal is to start a business in Mississippi, you’ll want to ensure you have the proper processes in place to encourage success. For instance, before you start selling services or products to customers, you’ll need to set the foundation for your company. These building blocks include sales and marketing strategies, accounting, and operations. 

Along with these building blocks, you’ll also want to ensure you have the proper protection for your company and employees — this means purchasing small business insurance products, including workers’ comp and general liability. 

In the state of Mississippi, companies that employ at least five full-time employees must obtain workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage not only protects the business but also covers the medical expenses and potential disability benefits of an injured employee. 

For owners who haven’t had experience with workers’ compensation in the past, we have created a helpful guide to get you started. 

10 important workers’ compensation insurance facts for Mississippi entrepreneurs

1. Only companies with at least five full-time employees are required to maintain an active workers’ compensation policy
2. Workers’ comp insurance will cover any injury or illness as long as it’s a result of the work an employee was doing for the company
3. In Mississippi, employees are covered under workers’ compensation as early as their first day on the job
4. Certain types of employees are considered exempt from the workers’ comp mandate. These groups include:
   • Farm laborers
   • Federal workers
   • Domestic workers
   • Nonprofit employees
5. Sole proprietors and independent contractors are not required to have workers’ comp for themselves but will need to purchase a policy if they have more than five employees
6. In addition to paying an employee’s medical expenses out-of-pocket, business owners could also face a $1,000 fine and jail time for not maintaining workers’ comp coverage
7. If a death occurs as a result of a workplace injury, beneficiaries could receive benefits up to 450 weeks after the incident
8. Should an employee opt for a workers’ comp settlement, it will need to be approved by the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission
9. Workers’ compensation insurance provides several benefits for injured employees, including:
   • Medical expense coverage
   • Ongoing care coverage
   • Missed wages
   • Funeral expenses
   • Disability benefits
10. Injured employees must notify their employees right away when an accident occurs. From that point, employers have 30 days to submit the incident to the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission

Remember, every situation is different and state workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about the basics of workers’ comp or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in Mississippi appeared first on Pie Insurance.

North Carolina is a great place to open a small business. In fact, small businesses comprise 99.6% of the state’s businesses and employ 1.6 million workers.

However, before you place an ad to attract employees, you need to know the small business workers’ comp rules that apply to your business.

10 facts about workers’ compensation in North Carolina

1. 1.     The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act is administered by the state’s Industrial Commission.
   2.     In 2020, private employers in North Carolina reported 64,900 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses.
   3.     Two industries—trade, transportation and utilities and education and health services—reported 53% of occupational injuries and illnesses in North Carolina in 2020.
   4.     You are required to carry workers’ comp insurance in North Carolina if you employ three or more employees. This regulation applies to corporations, sole proprietorships, limited liability companies and partnerships.
   5.     North Carolina’s workers’ compensation requirements also apply to certain trucking owners or operators, even if the operator works as an independent contractor. If the owner-operator doesn’t have his or her own workers’ comp insurance, the employer must provide coverage.
   6.     As with most regulations, there are exceptions to the rule. Employees who don’t require workers’ comp insurance include:
      • Those employed by certain railroads
      • Casual employees who are not employed in the same field as the employer
      • Domestic servants directly employed by the household
      • Farm workers employed by a company that has fewer than 10 full-time, regularly employed, non-seasonal farm laborers
      • Employees of the federal government
      • People who sell agricultural products on commission or for other compensation paid by the producer

1. 7.     A business that employs independent contractors in North Carolina and issues a Form 1099 for tax purposes may still be required to provide small business insurance to these individuals if the N.C. Industrial Commission determines that these workers function as employees.
   8.     If you contract with a subcontractor who doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance, you may be on the hook to pay for work-related injuries of the subcontractor’s employees, regardless of the number of employees you or the subcontractor employs.
   9.     There are penalties for not carrying workers’ comp insurance. If not properly insured, you may be:
      • Penalized financially
      • Charged with a misdemeanor
      • Charged with a felony, or
      • Required to serve jail time

1. 10. If an employee is injured on the job, you must immediately report the incident to your worker’s comp insurance carrier. If an injury or illness causes your employee to miss more than one day of work or medical expenses are more than $4,000, you or your insurance carrier must submit an Employer’s Report of Employee’s Injury to the Industrial Commission form (Form 19) within five days of learning of the incident. Once Form 19 is filed, you must provide the employee a copy of the form and ask him or her to complete a Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee form (Form 18).

For more information about meeting small business insurance requirements in North Carolina, check out the state’s Workers’ Compensation Supervisor Handbook.

Remember, every situation is different. North Carolina workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about the basics of workers’ comp or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in North Carolina appeared first on Pie Insurance.

Like many states, it’s required by law in Alabama for employers to have workers’ compensation coverage. This insurance protects your business by providing you with limited civil liability in the case of an employee’s on-the-job injury or occupational disease. This coverage can help you avoid double compensation, penalties and fines.

Read on to learn what Alabama workers’ compensation is and how it can protect you and your small business in the event of a work-related accident.

What do Alabama small business owners need to know about workers’ compensation?

Alabama’s Department of Labor aims to protect the state’s employees and employers by providing compensation for job-related injuries and diseases through the Alabama Workers’ Compensation law.

The law requires that all job-related injuries must be reported to the insurance carrier. The insurance carrier is responsible for filing the Employer’s First Report of Injury to the Alabama workers’ compensation division. The division must keep a record of all job-related injuries that have been reported until final compensation is issued.

What benefits are covered by workers’ compensation coverage?

Employee benefits fall under four categories:

Medical benefits

• • Doctor visits
  • Emergency room care
  • Surgery
  • Medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Medical equipment, such as crutches and wheelchairs
  • Chronic pain management 

Disability benefits

These benefits can include wage coverage for the time it takes an injured employee to recover and return to work. The amount of wage replacement depends on:

• • The level of disability
  • The worker’s earning capacity
  • Alabama state regulations

Disability benefits could be for life if the employee’s disability permanently prevents them from returning to work. 

Rehabilitation benefits

• • Job training
  • Skills assessment and testing
  • Job development and placement
  • Resume assistance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Books and additional expenses

Death benefits

If an employee dies in a work-related incident, their dependents will be provided workers’ comp benefits. Dependents can include a spouse, minor children, or elderly parents living in the same household.

Benefits also include burial expenses and funeral costs in most states.

Additionally, an employee can also receive death benefits years after an injury. For example, if a worker is exposed to toxic chemicals on the job and develops cancer years later as a result, they can receive benefits.

10 essential facts about workers’ comp insurance in Alabama

1. As an Alabama employer, you’re not required to have workers’ comp insurance coverage if you employ fewer than five workers, full-time or part-time. This includes officers of a corporation in any one business.
2. Members of a limited liability company (LLC) and officers of a corporation or S corp. are covered by workers’ compensation.
3. Alabama contractors involved in the construction of single-family, detached dwellings must carry workers’ comp coverage. Any business where employees face a risk of injury on the job are strongly encouraged to purchase workers’ comp insurance, even when it’s not required by law.
4. You’re not required to have workers’ comp coverage if you employ:
   • Domestic workers
   • Farm laborers
   • Casual employees
   • Municipalities with a population lower than 2,000 people (according to the most recent federal census)
5. If you employ workers in any of the above categories, you can still choose to provide workers’ comp coverage and include these employees in the company’s insurance program.
6. Alabama’s Workers’ Compensation Division works to ensure that employees who have experienced a work-related accident are properly paid their compensation benefits. The division will ensure these individuals receive proper medical attention.
7. The division also provides services and information to:
   • Claimants
   • Employers
   • Attorneys
   • Insurance companies
   • Judges and legislators
   • Labor and management groups
   • Government agencies
8. The employer/insurance carrier is responsible for directing medical care after an employee submits a claim. Except in the case of an emergency, the employer/carrier’s selected primary care provider will provide medical care for the claimant. The employer/carrier must direct care from the time the work injury notice is given – not after treatment has already begun.
9. As an employer, you’re only responsible for the payment of medical bills associated with the injury claimed by the employee.
10. Claimants can be reimbursed for mileage to doctor visits through workers’ comp coverage.

Curious about Alabama workers’ comp rates?

Remember, every situation is different. Alabama workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about the basics of workers’ comp or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in Alabama appeared first on Pie Insurance.

Workers’ compensation insurance can help ease your mind that your business and your employees are protected in the case of any work-related injuries or illnesses.

Insurance helps finance any necessary medical treatment for your employees, among other coverages such as transportation to and from medical treatment, and compensation for any missed work due to work-related injury or illness.

Read on to learn more about what to keep in mind as you navigate workers’ compensation coverage for your South Carolina business.

Who is covered under South Carolina workers’ comp?

Part-time workers and family members are considered employees and must be included as employees covered under workers’ compensation coverage.

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, nonprofit and for-profit organizations are treated the same way in terms of workers’ comp insurance. If your business is a non-profit organization that employs four or more employees, you’re required to maintain this type of insurance coverage.

If you’re a general contractor, you’re required to have workers’ comp insurance. Employees of a subcontractor are statutory employees of a general contractor. In the case of subcontractors that neglect to maintain their own workers’ compensation insurance coverage, a general contractor is liable for their statutory employees.

If you’re a subcontractor with fewer than four employees, your general contractor may still require you to obtain workers’ compensation coverage. The general contractor may do this to avoid the liability of a workers’ compensation claim from an uninsured employer or subcontractor.

Not sure who qualifies as an independent contractor? An independent contractor is someone who specifically operates under an independent contractor agreement with specific terms of the contract. Independent contractors also use their own equipment and tools for work. They set their own rates, labor schedules, and payment.

What do South Carolina small business owners need to know about workers’ compensation?

Even if you pay your workers via 1099, you may still be required to supply them with workers’ compensation insurance coverage. There are various determining factors for whether you must supply coverage in addition to the method of payment to workers.

You can obtain workers’ compensation insurance through a commercial insurance carrier that’s licensed to write coverage in the state of South Carolina.

You can also obtain insurance via the state of South Carolina’s assigned risk program. This program is administered by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI).

Workers’ comp insurance not only covers any necessary medical treatment for employees affected by an on-the-job injury, but it can also help cover any expenses incurred for travel to receive medical treatment.

Your insurance representative will reimburse you for mileage to a medical facility that’s more than five miles away from the employee’s home.

To keep track of these expenses, inform your employee to save receipts for bills such as lodging, meals, and public transportation. They’ll need to submit these receipts to your representative to receive reimbursement.

Your employees will have options if they can’t provide their own transportation to medical appointments if they contact your representative. They’ll also need to attend scheduled medical appointments and take the appropriate steps to improve their health to receive weekly wage loss checks.

11 essential facts about workers’ comp insurance in South Carolina

1. If you previously maintained workers’ compensation insurance but now you no longer need it, you must file a Form 38 with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
2. You can find more information on South Carolina’s workers’ compensation coverage information here.
3. The South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Commission Coverage Division helps maintain, monitor, and enforce the various requirements for employers regarding an employer’s responsibility to maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
4. If you own a small business in South Carolina, at some point you may have to work with the Compliance Division of the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. This division is responsible for helping to determine if the named party is insured with workers’ comp and/or subject to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. The division must determine this in the case that a claim is filed for which there’s no apparent workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Employers who fail to maintain coverage will be prosecuted through this division.
5. Employers in the state of South Carolina that are subject to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act are required to display an Employer’s Notice of Being Subject to the Act (R67-301 A). This poster must be posted publicly in your place of business.
6. In addition to the Employer’s Notice of Being Subject to the Act, there may be other posters you’re required by state law to display in your business. You can find these posters here.
7. For more information on employers that may be challenging to find in the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage Verification System, go here.
8. If you don’t comply with the South Carolina Workers Compensation Act’s requirements, you may be subject to fines and penalties. You must file the appropriate forms and complete proper documentation with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission to ensure and verify that you’ve properly addressed your rights, as well as the rights of the injured employee.
9. The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Coverage Division will keep records of your insurance coverage to confirm the responsible insuring entity in the case of a work-related injury or illness.
10. As an employer, your workers’ comp insurance carrier can authorize a medical provider to treat your injured employee. More information on medical fees and billing for an injured employee can be found here. For the 2022 South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Schedule, go here.
11. The South Carolina Unannotated Code of Laws for “Title 42 – Workers’ Compensation” will provide more information on what happens in the case of failure to pay claims, confidentiality, and other legal matters related to workers’ compensation insurance coverage in the state.

Curious about South Carolina workers’ comp rates?

Remember, every situation is different. South Carolina workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about the basics of workers’ comp or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in South Carolina appeared first on Pie Insurance.

Are small business owners mandated to obtain workers’ comp insurance in Oregon?

Owning a business for many people is a lifetime goal. Whether it’s a company that offers remodeling services or a restaurant that sells the best steaks in town, becoming an entrepreneur is at the top of the list for thousands of citizens in Oregon. The good news is that the state makes it reasonably easy to open a small business.

However, even though you can launch a business in a few simple steps, you’ll want to ensure you have everything in place to run your business efficiently. Along with accounting, marketing, sales and operations, you’ll also need the proper small business insurance. 

In Oregon, business owners need certain coverages like general liability insurance. Entrepreneurs also need to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have any employees.

For small business owners who have operated a company without employees or are launching their first organizations, the following tips will help you get acquainted with the inner workings of workers’ compensation.

10 crucial workers’ comp facts for Oregon small business owners

• Every company in the state of Oregon that doesn’t fall under the exemption list must carry workers’ comp if they have at least one employee
• The following employees are exempt from workers’ comp and don’t need to be covered:
  • Employees who make less than $500 annually
  • Domestic household employees
  • Employees that work for a homeowner directly, such as maintenance workers or gardening staff
• Workers’ comp may provide benefits to employees who are involved in an accident or who develop an illness, injury, or repetitive strain injury as a result of their job
• Sole proprietors, corporate officers and limited liability company members are all excluded from the workers’ comp requirements
• Oregon’s workers’ compensation insurance will provide qualifying injured employees with the following benefits:
  • Temporary or permanent total disability benefits
  • Temporary or permanent partial disability benefits
  • Death benefits
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Vocational assistance and ongoing physical therapy
• All workers’ compensation claim disputes, disagreements, and settlements are handled by the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board
• Penalties for not obtaining workers’ compensation for your employees can result in a penalty equaling twice the amount of your standard premium or an ongoing daily fine of $250
• If an employee passes away from a workplace injury, the following survivors are eligible to receive death benefits:
  • Financially dependent relatives
  • Spouse
  • Children up to the age of 18 or the age of 26 if they are taking higher education classes/GED courses
• Small business owners have five days to report an employee’s injury to their insurance company if medical treatment is required
• Once an injury occurs, an injured employee should report the accident to the company immediately. However, they have up to one year to report any injuries or illnesses that occur on the job site

Thanks for reading! Please note that this content is for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, you should refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about workers’ compensation insurance or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in Oregon appeared first on Pie Insurance.

Are West Virginia small business owners required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance?

For many West Virginia residents, opening a small business is something they’ve dreamed about for years. The good news is that small business ventures account for nearly 98.8% of all companies in the state of West Virginia.

So, if you’re planning on joining the thousands of entrepreneurs in the state, you’ll want to ensure you have everything necessary for success. For instance, before launching the business, it’s a good idea to research whether your state requires special licenses or permits to operate. Another essential item you’ll want to consider is small business insurance.

Generally, most states require companies to maintain coverages such as commercial auto insurance and general liability. However, if you plan on hiring employees, you’ll also need to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. 

This coverage is a mandatory requirement for any West Virginia business with at least three full-time employees and offers protection for workplace injuries.

If you haven’t owned a business before or aren’t familiar with how workers’ compensation insurance works, the following tips will help you get acquainted with the coverage.

10 essential workers’ comp facts for West Virginia small businesses

• In West Virginia, workers’ compensation offers protection for employees and provides benefits if a workplace accident leaves them unable to work for an extended period
• Workers’ compensation insurance offers several key benefits to injured employees, including:
  • Wage replacement
  • Initial and ongoing medical expenses
  • Disability benefits
  • Death benefits
• Independent contractors and sole proprietors do not need to maintain workers’ comp insurance if they are the only employee of the business
• While most West Virginia businesses are required to have workers’ comp, employees in the following categories don’t need coverage:
  • Church employees
  • Volunteer employees
  • Employees currently receiving benefits from the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
  • Domestic service employees
• Small business owners who fail to keep an active workers’ comp policy could face fines totaling up to $25,000
• In the event that an employee dies as a result of a workplace accident, workers’ comp will pay death benefits to the surviving dependents
• Employees must file a workers’ compensation claim within six months of the injury, or they could face potentially losing benefits
• The cost of workers’ compensation in West Virginia can be affected by any of the following:
  • Total payroll amount
  • Business class codes
  • Past claims
• Employers must file an incident report within five days of learning about an employee’s injury
• Injured employees have the option of taking a lump sum payout referred to as a workers’ compensation settlement

Remember, every situation is different. West Virginia workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about the basics of workers’ comp or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in West Virginia appeared first on Pie Insurance.

Workers’ compensation insurance is an important way to ensure your small business can protect employees in the event of a work-related injury or illness. It also prevents liabilities to your business by providing coverage to your workers.

Michigan workers’ compensation will pay for any reasonable and necessary medical care if an employee has experienced a work-related injury or illness.

Read on to learn what Michigan workers’ compensation is, the benefits employees get from coverage, and how it can protect you and your small business in the event of a work-related accident.

What do Michigan small business owners need to know about workers’ compensation?

• First, it’s important to know which Michigan employers are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees and their own business liabilities.
• All Michigan public employers are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage.
• All private employers who employ one or more employees, 35 hours or more per week, for 13 weeks or longer during the next 52 weeks, are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage.
• All private employers who employ three or more employees, either part-time or full-time, must carry workers’ comp insurance.
• Agricultural employers who staff three or more workers, 35 hours or more a week for 13 or more consecutive weeks, are required to carry insurance.
• Households that employ domestic workers must carry workers’ comp insurance if the household employs anyone for 35 or more hours a week for 13 weeks.
• Self-proprietors, or self-employed individuals, aren’t counted as employees of the business they provide services to. This is because they’re working in their sole proprietorship.

Cases in which employers can exclude certain employees, according to Michigan’s Workers’ Disability Compensation Act

Sole proprietorship

According to the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act, you can exclude employees from coverage if your business has one or more workers, and all workers are the spouse, child, or parent of the sole proprietor.

Partnership

You can exclude employees from coverage if they’re all partners.

Stock corporation

You can exclude employees from coverage if they’re all corporate officers and own 10% or more stock in the corporation.

Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

You can exclude employees from coverage if they’re all members or managers, and own at least 10% interest in the business.

What employee benefits are covered by Michigan workers’ compensation coverage?

There are various benefits your employees can receive if they experience a work-related illness or injury through workers’ comp coverage. These benefits include:

Supplemental wage benefits

Disability wage benefits are supplemented up to 50 weeks. This supplement will provide two-thirds of the employee’s regular wage at the time of the work-related injury or illness.

Wage supplements may continue longer than the allotted 50-week period in special circumstances with approval from the State Employer.

Employment and benefit status

If your employee can’t return to work after 50 weeks, the wage supplement will end.

The individual may be placed on a medical leave of absence or separated from employment depending on their medical-leave rights under civil service rules and regulations, or based on the collective bargaining agreement.

Independent medical examinations

Sedgwick, which is Michigan’s Workers’ Compensation Third Party Administrator, can schedule an independent medical examination if they have any questions regarding the medical information provided by your employee. The individual must participate in this examination, otherwise, their benefits may be suspended.

Long-term disability

Your employee is only eligible to collect LTD benefits if Sedgwick denies or disputes the workers’ comp claim.

8 essential facts about workers’ comp insurance in Michigan

1. You can find more information on employer insurance requirements with this resource from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity.
2. You can obtain a copy of the Notice of Exclusion form (WC-337) by contacting the Workers’ Compensation Agency (WCA) at 517-284-8922.
3. As an employer, it’s recommended that you scope out various options for workers’ compensation to find the best deal for your business.
4. To submit a workers’ compensation claim, you can apply online or print and fill out a State of Michigan Workers’ Compensation Claim form and fax it into the office.
5. If the work-related injury requires immediate care, the employee should contact the closest emergency room to seek medical treatment.
6. If there’s a non-emergency situation and your employee is seeking medical treatment, the individual must be seen at an approved occupational healthcare clinic.
7. When an injury or illness is reported, the State of Michigan’s Disability Management Office (DMO) will file a workers’ compensation claim on your employee’s behalf. Alternatively, the DMO will provide your employee with the information to file a claim.
8. The state of Michigan has the right to direct medical treatment for the first 28 days after initial care for a work-related injury or illness.

Curious about Michigan’s workers’ comp rates?

Remember, every situation is different. Michigan workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about the basics of workers’ comp or check your current rate in 3 minutes.

The post Workers’ compensation in Michigan appeared first on Pie Insurance.

Starting a small business is part of living the American dream. For many, being a small business owner means having more flexibility and greater financial security. However, before you open your doors in Missouri, you need to know the small business workers’ comp rules that apply to your business.

10 facts about workers’ compensation in Missouri

1. Small business owners in Missouri must carry workers’ comp insurance if they have five or more employees. This rule applies to all employees, even family members, part-time staff, or casual laborers. In addition, members of an LLC and officers of a corporation count as employees. However, sole proprietors and members of a partnership aren’t counted.
2. Employers in the construction industry are required to carry workers’ comp coverage if they have one or more employees in Missouri.
3. Employers who are exempt from small business workers’ comp insurance requirements and choose not to purchase coverage or decide to self-insure are still open to risk from civil lawsuits lodged by employees injured in the course of work.
4. In Missouri, some occupations are covered under federal laws and not by state workers’ comp laws. This includes:

• Direct sellers
• Domestic servants in a private home
• Farm laborers
• Laborers who perform occasion work for or related to a private household
• Maritime workers
• Postal workers
• Qualified real estate agents
• Railroad employees
• Unpaid adjudicators and sports officials for interscholastic or amateur youth programs
• Volunteers of 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax-exempt organizations

5. Small business owners in Missouri can take advantage of the state’s online Workers’ Compensation Rate Guide insurance purchasing service. Using the service, employers can check the rates for workers’ comp coverage for all insurers in the state.
6. You will need to know all of the applicable classification codes (class codes) to shop for workers’ comp insurance using Missouri’s Workers’ Compensation Rate Guide. Insurance companies use class codes to group businesses into various categories of risk. These codes reflect a job’s risk to a company’s employees and help insurance companies provide coverage that makes sense for their customers.
7. To self-insure your small business, you’ll need to apply to the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation’s Insurance Unit. This organization operates as the chief underwriter, regulator and auditor for the state’s self-insurance program. Business owners with the financial capital to cover the associated costs can self-insure as either an individual or a group trust.
8. You must notify your insurance provider immediately if an injury occurs at your business. Additionally, you will need to report the injury to the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation within 30 days. In most cases, your insurer will submit the report on your behalf. Call the division at 573-522-1963 if you have questions about reporting workplace injuries.
9. Under workers’ comp statutes, employers must provide immediate medical care for an injured employee. Employers can pay the bill themselves if the employee doesn’t miss work after the injury, and all medical bills total less than $3,500. However, you must still notify your insurance providers and the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.
10. Committing insurance fraud in Missouri can be a class-D felony in certain instances. This includes anyone who purposely prepares or presents an invalid certificate of insurance as proof of workers′ comp coverage. The penalty for fraud can include a fine of up to $10,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater. Less egregious types of fraud, like making false or fraudulent statements about benefits to discourage an injured employee from filing a legitimate claim, are class-A misdemeanors.

Read the complete Missouri Workers’ Compensation Rules for more information.

Remember, every situation is different and state workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.

Thanks for reading! Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, you should refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about workers’ compensation insurance or check your current rate in 3 minutes

The post Workers’ compensation in Missouri appeared first on Pie Insurance.