Kansas residents are no stranger to hard work. However, there are some work environments, such as industrial plants that may place workers at a higher risk for on-the-job injuries than others.
Recently, a pipeline worker was injured in an industrial accident. The man had to be flown be a medical helicopter to a nearby hospital. There is no word yet on the cause of the injury or the status of the injured worker.
While the extent of the worker’s injuries are not yet known, one thing for certain is that he will have medical bills and expenses. Fortunately, employers in every state, including Kansas must carry some type of worker’s compensation insurance. Worker’s compensation is a system in which employers compensate their injured workers by providing benefits, such as medical expenses, lost wages, costs of training, as well as benefits to survivors of a deceased employee who was killed on the job.
Worker’s compensation benefits can vary state to state and profession to profession. However, most workers that are injured on the job can receive compensation for injuries associated with physical accidents, as in the above mentioned case. Workers can also receive benefits for injuries associated with mental and emotional health due to job-related stress. Workers can also receive benefits for pre-existing conditions that were made worse due to their job-related duties. There are certain injuries that may not be covered under worker’s compensation, including injuries sustained while performing a personal errand (even if during work hours) and injuries sustained while traveling to and from work.
Kansas residents who have been injured on the job need to make sure their rights are protected. Employers may try to find ways to get around paying worker’s compensation benefits. Experienced legal professionals specializing in worker’s comp benefits are available to assess one’s case and make sure they receive all the compensation to which they are entitled.
Source: 12 News Cincinnati, “Pipeline Worker Injured In Industrial Accident“, August 20, 2013
