Too often, employees are quick to make assumptions regarding work-related injuries and workers compensation claims, rather than looking at the facts. In order to help you successfully separate myths surrounding workers compensation and the facts that contravene them, we've highlighted some of the most frequently-recurring erroneous claims and invalidated them.
MYTH: "Most workers compensation claims are fraudulent"
FACT: Perhaps the most common myth in this list, arguing that a majority of workers compensation claims are dishonest, is futile. If you've been injured as a result of a work-related accident, it's important that you get the compensation that you deserve. Individuals that suffer from work-related injury go through enough traumas, and shouldn't have to deal with the stigma that they're making a fraudulent claim.
MYTH: "My workplace is safe, and therefore employees will not get injured"
FACT: Making this explicit of an assumption is dangerous and completely false. Although providing a safe environment for employees is extremely important, accidents resulting in injury at the workplace can occur in any type of environment, so it's important to understand and accept the fact that these work-related injuries do have the possibility of occurring, even in safe working conditions.
MYTH: "Workers compensation rights don't need to be brought up at work"
FACT: The more accurately you understand your rights and benefits under workers compensation laws, the better. Understanding your rights helps clarify what you should do if an injury were to occur at your workplace, and talking about workers compensation can assist in removing the ignorance and misunderstanding that some employees may have regarding workers comp claims.
MYTH: "Workers compensation costs are too high"
FACT: According to statistics from the National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI), rising medical costs for workers compensation has been similar to other rising medical costs in the last several years. Inflation of medical costs for workers compensation is no different than other similar trends in the medical industry.
MYTH: "When an employee has been injured, you should avoid the situation"
FACT: The reality is the opposite of this claim. If an employee or coworker has been injured as the result of a work-related accident, it's important to reach out to them and provide emotional support. Often times, these injured individuals feel rejected by their coworkers due to their workers compensation claim, and thus would likely appreciate an act of empathy.
As you can see, there are a number of fallacious assumptions out there in regard to workers compensation claims. Hopefully after reading through the facts that contradict these myths, you have a better understanding of what information to believe about individuals seeking workers compensation benefits and what to ignore.