Brochures

Coalition Against Insurance Fraud

Brochure text:

MAKE WORKERS COMP WORK FOR YOU

Know your rights, and do your part

A GREAT BENEFIT

You’re hurt on the job.

This can be hard on you -- and your family.

Workers compensation insurance can help you heal and return to work quickly and safely. It pays your medical bills if you have a work-related injury or illness. You can receive part of your income to help support your family lost wages. And you can receive therapy and retraining, and even lost income if you’re permanently disabled.

Your employer provides you this valuable benefit, free of charge.
Help workers compensation work right, and your employer, so you and your family have the protection you deserve.

YOUR RIGHTS

You have rights under workers compensation. Among your rights, you can…

Receive workers compensation insurance free of charge in most cases. All states except New Jersey and Texas require most employers to provide coverage for their employees. But if you’re an undocumented worker, your rights vary from state to state.

Be treated with dignity, fairness and compassion by your employer, insurance company and medical providers.

Have information clearly posted in your workplace about workers compensation coverage and procedures. Ask your employer if you don’t see this information.

Work in a safe workplace, receive safety training, and have your employer correct unsafe conditions.

Make a valid claim for a job-related injury or illness. It’s illegal for your employer to intimidate you, or fire you for making a valid claim.

Receive required medical care as long as you need it, plus part of your wages while you’re recovering.

Choose your initial doctor in many states, and appeal decisions about your workers compensation benefits and treatment.

DO YOUR PART

Help make your coverage work for you and your employer. Be prompt and honest in all dealings. Please remember to…

Promptly notify your employer about any job-related injury or illness. Provide the names of any witnesses.

Follow all workers compensation procedures. Your benefits may be delayed, reduced or denied if you don’t.

Make claims only if you’re injured on the job. It’s illegal to knowingly make a claim if the injury actually occurred while you were off the job. You could lose your job, pay large fines or even go to jail.

Report suspected fraudulent claims by fellow workers, or failures by your employer to provide required coverage.

Avoid physical labor, athletics or other activities while receiving workers compensation if are against your medical orders or against the law.

WHILE YOU’RE RECOVERING…

Follow your treatment plan
Keep all doctor appointments
Make sure your employer and insurance company know how to contact you
Report all income you earn while receiving workers compensation
Promptly return to work when authorized

TAKE ACTION

What workers compensation benefits are you entitled to? Talk to your employer, insurance company or state insurance or labor department. Find your insurance department at www.InsuranceFraud.org.

Want to report fraud? Talk to your employer, insurance company or state insurance department. Find your insurance department at www.InsuranceFraud.org.

Unsafe working conditions? Call the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration toll-free at 1-800-321-6742.

A public service of…

Coalition Against Insurance Fraud

1012 14th Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
www.InsuranceFraud.org
consumer@InsuranceFraud.org
A national alliance of consumer groups, insurers and government agencies fighting insurance fraud.

Consumer Action

221 Main Street, Suite 480
San Francisco, CA 94105
www.consumer-action.org
info@consumer-action.org
415-777-9635

Consumer Action, founded in 1971, is a national non-profit consumer education and advocacy organization.