If you have become ill because of your work or been involved in an accident, you may be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. The majority of employers in Kansas are required to take out this form of insurance to provide cover for their employees while at work. Make sure you let your supervisor know about the nature of your injury or illness and how it occurred. If there is any hold up, or you want to know what your rights are, talk to a Kansas workers’ comp attorney. Major Occupations in Kansas According to the 2015 Bureau of Statistics figures (the latest complete record), there was a total of 1,371,630 people employed in all types of occupations in Kansas. The average hourly wage was $20.64 and the annual average income was $42,930. More people in Kansas work in offices or as administrative support staff than any other category of work. In fact, there was nearly twice the number of people in this type of occupation (228,520) than the second largest category, sales and related occupations (135,440). Other important occupations in Kansas included: Food preparation and serving Production work Transportation and material movement Education, training and library work Healthcare and technical occupationsxw Kansas Workers’ Comp Insurance Requirements for Employers Nearly all employers in Kansas are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance. There are very few exceptions. The main exception is that any employer with a total payroll of less than $20,000 a year is exempt. Workers’ comp insurance must be taken out whatever the number of employees and however many hours they work. As in other states, the Kansas state government does not provide insurance coverage. This must be obtained through a commercial carrier. Other exemptions from workers’ comp insurance coverage include: for employees who are involved in particular types of agricultural work; sole proprietors and their partners; firefighters who are covered by a separate insurance cover; realtors who act as independent contractors. The workers compensation rules are quite complex and it is important for employers to determine whether they are required to obtain coverage or not to avoid penalties and the possibility of becoming liable for private lawsuits against them if an employee becomes sick, is injured or dies while at work. Ways to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Kansas Employers have a number of choices when obtaining workers’ compensation insurance in Kansas. The majority of employers that are not in an exempt category will take out coverage with a commercial carrier as long as the nature of the work is not in a high risk category. If denied twice, they can apply for cover in the Assigned Risk Pool. This is organized by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) with a private insurance carrier. Some employers may also opt to take out group coverage with other employers or self-insure (in a limited number of cases). Employers who need assistance with workers’ compensation insurance or related matters can make enquiries with the state’s Division of Workers Compensation, which also provides a seminar every year (usually at the end of summer or the beginning of fall) for employers. Not Happy With Your Claim? See an Attorney! Workers’ compensation insurance claims should be straightforward. There is nothing worse than being injured or falling ill when doing your job, then discovering that compensation is inadequate or your employer was not insured. If you experience any problems with your claim, or need help establishing what you are entitled to or how to file your claim, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
