If you have suffered an injury while at work in Delaware and you need to take time off work to recover you may be concerned about how you are going to pay for your medical treatment. Fortunately, in Delaware and most states you should be covered by the worker’s compensation insurance your employer is compelled by law to provide for you. If the compensation you have been offered doesn’t seem enough, contact a Delaware’s workers’ comp attorney who will ensure you receive what you are legally entitled to. Employment in Delaware In Delaware there are 433,840 workers, earning an average of around $50,000 per annum. Office and administration employment attracts 73,630 workers, earning a yearly average of $36,610. Those in selling occupations account for 46,260 workers earning $38,690 per annum. The food preparation sector employs 40,740 earning an average of $23,280 yearly. There are 28,220 healthcare workers earning around $82,020. Those workers who work in transportation related to the movement of materials make up 64,741of Delaware’s workforce, earning on average $33,760 per annum. Delaware’s Workers’ Comp Insurance Requirements for Employers Employers who employ at least one person must provide workers' compensation insurance. Employers are not permitted to charge any employee an insurance premium for workers' compensation insurance. Casual farm workers are generally not covered by the worker’s comp provision, but employers can get coverage if they wish. When an employee is injured and needs workers compensation, he or she should receive all costs associated with surgical, medical and hospital treatment from the date of the accident. Employers are required to keep records of every injury received by their employees and a report needs to be filed in writing no more than 10 days after the injury to its insurance provider and the Office of Workers' Compensation. Other Workers’ Compensation Insurance Provisions in Delaware Apart from the compensation benefits associated with medical care, there are other payments including those for a temporary disability and compensation for permanent impairment. If an injured worker loses his or her life benefits the family of the worker will receive any benefits that the worker was entitled to. If the employer refuses to offer the claim, the employee has 2 years from the accident date to file a petition for compensation to the Office of Workers' Compensation. There is no fee for filing a petition. The statute for Delaware’s workers' compensation prohibits your employer from firing you because you have filed a worker’s comp claim. An employer can end up with a $100 to $250 fine if it fails to file a 1st report related to an employee’s injury. When You Are Not Happy With Your Workers’ Comp Claim Not all employers are willing to pay up worker’s comp unless they are forced to do so. If you believe you have been denied the financial compensation you are entitled you should seek help from an experienced Delaware workers comp attorney who will help to ensure you will get the compensation that is rightfully yours.
