Hawaii, an island known as a holiday destination because of its rugged isolation and dramatic scenery still has to deal with workers who have been injured while in the course of their duties at work. When this happens the employer is expected to pay workers compensation to the employee to cover the cost of medical expenses and loss of earnings while recovering. Employment in Hawaii Over 600,000 people in Hawaii are classified as in employment. This includes those who are employed in various occupations across a variety of different industries and in many different capacities ranging from: Management positions IT and computing Transportation of materials Food preparation and the tourist industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the mean hourly wage in Hawaii in 2015 was $18.63, while the yearly average earnings were $47,740. Some of the highest paid workers are found in the computer and information systems area, where a manager is paid on average over $100,000 US a year. Employers and Worker’s Compensation (WC) Hawaii considers that the well-being of workers is important, so this means that almost all employers are expected to carry worker’s compensation insurance under WC law, which has been around since 1915. Federal and state law requires that an employer provides certain benefits to injured employees regardless of the reason for the accident. Most employers who have 1 or more employees, either working on a full-time or part-time basis,temporary or permanent, must provide coverage for workers' compensation. All employers are required to furnish within three working days of when an injury notification has been received, a copy of the leaflet called “Highlights of the Hawaii Workers’ Compensation Law”. The benefits available include those covering the cost of medical treatment right through to permanent disability benefits if the injury is so serious it leads to permanent disability. What To Do If Injured At Work If you are injured at work it is necessary to report the accidentally immediately. Your employer is expected to file an “Employer’s Report of Industrial Injury” (WC-1) within seven working days after the accident. Because workers comp claims tend to be expensive, most employers will buy insurance from an official insurance agent in Hawaii. The employer is not allowed to ask any employee to contribute to the insurance. All employers must post in a visible place a statement that outlines the rights of employees to benefits and how to make a claim. Not Satisfied With Your Settlement? If you feel you have not received the compensation you deserve you may ask to have your case heard by a hearings officer who has 60 days to make a final decision. You may need the advice of an attorney to help to argue your case to ensure you get the outcome you deserve.
