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Guide To Workers’ Compensation Insurance For Small Business

By Di Doherty - Jan. 11, 2023
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Workers’ compensation insurance covers the medical bills for workplace injuries. It’s mandated in almost the entirety of the United States for business with employees, meaning that it’s likely that your small business will need it.

It has other benefits as well, such as preventing small businesses from going bankrupt due to a workplace injury and helping workers with their recovery.

Key Takeaways:

  • Workers’ compensation insurance is required by law in almost every state.

  • The insurance policy will cover medical expenses, disability coverage, employer liability, and death benefits.

  • Due to the fact that all businesses are required to get it, the costs of the premiums are generally manageable. They’re based on the size of the business’s payroll.

What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Worker’s compensation insurance, often shortened to worker’s comp, is insurance that covers injuries that happen in the workplace. Exactly how much is covered by the insurance will depend on the policy, but the insurance helps cover medical bills. Some will help with lost wages as well, but it’s not a requirement of worker’s comp policies.

Businesses with employees are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance in every state except Texas. The exact requirements for coverage vary by state, as does whether or not you need a certain number of workers before it becomes legally required.

However, since employers are responsible for injuries that workers incur in the workplace – unless they were intoxicated or trying to hurt themselves or someone else – it’s a good idea to have it even if it isn’t legally required. And since it is legally required in most places, it also saves you from fines or even jail time.

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Who Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

The majority of businesses in the United States are going to require workers’ compensation insurance. However, you may be wondering when exactly you need it and under what circumstances. You’ll want worker’s compensation insurance if:

  • You have employees. Of course, if your business has employees, then you’re going to need workers’ compensation coverage. Even if you’re under the quorum in your state, it’s a good idea to get it in order to protect yourself financially. And also, if you choose to hire more people, it won’t be a consideration.

  • You’re a contractor. Some businesses require that contractors have workers’ comp insurance before they hire them. They won’t want to take the risk of having to pay out of pocket if a contractor gets injured on the job.

  • You want injury coverage for yourself. Even if you’re the only person that works for your business, you may still want your own coverage if you get hurt at work. After all, in many cases, you may not be able to keep working if injured. Workers’ comp will help with your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses.

  • You employ contractors. While you may not have traditional employees, you’re still responsible for contractors’ health and safety. If you employ contractors regularly, then it’s a good idea to get insurance in case one of them gets injured and decides to sue you for the expenses.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover?

Exactly what your workers’ compensation insurance will cover will depend on your policy. However, there are requirements in the majority of states, meaning that most workers’ comp policies will be similar.

Worker’s compensation insurance covers:

  • Medical expenses. This is the primary use that most businesses will get out of their worker’s comp insurance. Medical treatment is expensive, and the insurance will cover the ambulance ride, emergency room visit, treatment, and other bills. Additional long-term treatment will also be covered, such as physical rehabilitation and medication.

  • Disability benefits. Should an injury or illness in the workplace lead to disability, the insurance will cover part of the employee’s lost wages. Most disability insurance of this type is shorter term, such as six months. It’s intended to help cover their expenses as the person in question recovers from their injury or illness.

    There is also long-term disability insurance for the issue that becomes chronic. Whether or not you choose to get this will depend on your preference. A few states do require it, but most of them have other restrictions as to which businesses are required to have it.

  • Lawsuits related to workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation insurance policies include insurance for lawsuits as well. This type of insurance is called employer’s liability insurance. If an employee sues due to their injury, then the insurance will help cover the costs. It’ll help pay for the following:

    • The lawyer’s fee.

    • Settlements that might be reached.

    • Additional court costs.

  • Death benefits. Lastly, worker’s comp covers death benefits for the worker’s family. Typically this includes covering funerary costs as well as additional payments to help support the family that they leave behind.

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How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cost?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific number for how much workers’ compensation insurance will cost. The cost will vary depending on several different factors. It’s tied to payroll, however, meaning you usually pay X amount per $100 of payroll.

Factors in the cost of the premium include:

  • Business location. As with all other expenses, where you are is a contributing factor. Some of it will depend on the state’s laws and how much coverage you need to meet requirements. The rest is just a matter of the going rate where you are.

  • The size of your payroll. The more people you have on your payroll, the higher your premium will be. Payroll is how the insurance company determines how much to charge, which means it’s important to give them an accurate number.

    Most insurance companies will do a worker’s comp premium audit in order to compare what you reported to what the actual payroll is at the end of the year. They will then adjust your premium accordingly. That means that undercounting your payroll can end up being quite costly.

  • The type of work your employees do. This is determined by a “class code,” which determines risk. If your employees’ jobs are low risk, for example, they largely work with computers, then your premium will be lower. However, if they work in a high-risk environment, such as construction or manufacturing, then it’ll be higher.

  • Your claims history. Insurance is all about risk calculation. If you have a history of workplace accidents and making claims, then your insurance is going to be higher than if you don’t.

    If you’re just starting a business, then you won’t have a history of any kind. Unfortunately, being a blank slate makes you a high risk so far as insurance companies are concerned. That will mean that your premiums will be higher starting out. However, so long as you keep your workplace safe, your rates will drop.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Small Business FAQ

  1. Does workers’ compensation insurance help cover fatal accidents?

    Yes, workers’ compensation insurance can cover fatal accidents. Most policies will pay for the funeral expenses, as well as give benefits to the surviving family members to help support them.

  2. Does workers’ compensation insurance protect against lawsuits?

    Yes, many worker’s compensation insurance policies will include employer liability protection. This benefit will cover court costs, the attorney’s fees, and even the cost of the settlement or ruling.

  3. What’s the difference between general liability and workers’ comp insurance?

    The primary difference between the two is that workers’ compensation insurance covers your workers, while general liability covers third parties. General liability comes in if a guest, customer, or someone from another business is hurt on your property and sues you for medical expenses.

  4. Is workers’ compensation insurance mandatory for businesses?

    In every state but Texas, workers’ compensation insurance is required by law if you have employees. States’ requirements will vary on how heavily you need to be insured. Some also have exceptions for businesses that have a certain number of workers.

Author

Di Doherty

Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.

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