Ideally, employees would never become sick or injure themselves while working. However, the unexpected can happen, and as such, it's crucial for businesses to have a comprehensive workers' compensation policy in place. Additionally, remaining up-to-date on any legal changes can keep companies protected for numerous situations.
According to The Associated Press, Connecticut officials are pushing for new workers' compensation definitions, to offer better compensation for emergency responders. After the shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, the state's Labor Committee plans to introduce the new legislation.
"We've certainly come a long way in recognizing the value of taking care of armed forces veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder," Senator Cathy Osten, the Senate chairwoman of the Labor Committee, told the news source. "But right now our state laws limit what is covered by workers' comp, and it's something we need to address."
In North Dakota, new workers' compensation legislation would eliminate pain as medical evidence of an injury that would qualify for worker's compensation benefits for certain claims. The Grand Forks Herald reported that a new bill hopes to clarify the current definition.
According to Dean Haas, a Bismarck lawyer who represents injured workers, with an aging workforce more and more workers likely will face the possibility of aggravating conditions such as arthritis. However, North Dakota's laws are already the strictest in the nation, he said, and the proposal would further tighten the requirements.
While different states might have varying definitions for workers' compensation, it's important for business owners to ensure that they have such insurance policies in place. That way, their company is protected against possible legal action. Legal fees can be expensive, but by having workers' compensation as part of a larger commercial property insurance, organizations are fully covered.