Some workplaces are inherently risky places to work in, while others may seem safe, yet workers may still become injured or develop a sickness because of their job. In most cases, they can obtain assistance from their employer because of the state’s requirement that the employer take out workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp can help to pay for basic bills like medical treatment as well as cover at least a portion of any wages that might otherwise not be paid while the worker is recovering at home. Employment in Nebraska According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a federal agency that collects statistics on employment annually, there were just under a million people employed across Nebraska in May last year (2016). The average median income was $44,170 a year, but this varied widely from low paid employees in the fast food industry to CEOs and senior managers of large Nebraska based companies. In most cases, whatever the income, workers’ compensation would cover accidents and illnesses that genuinely happen while at work. Not surprisingly, because this is the same pattern as many other states, if not nearly all of them, office workers are by far the most numerous of all occupational categories in Nebraska. Nebraska Workers’ Comp Regulations for Employers Nearly all employers are required by Nebraska state law to ensure that they take out workers’ comp insurance to protect their employees if they are injured or become ill genuinely at work. There are a few exceptions which employers must be aware of to ensure they are not fined or penalized if they misunderstand their responsibility according to the law. The main exemptions are: agricultural and domestic workers independent contractors volunteers (most of them) federal employees who have separate coverage railroad employees the self employed sole proprietors partners company officers who own more than a quarter of the company’s stock. Workers’ comp insurance protects employees when injured or ill at work but is invalidated if it is discovered that the harm occurred deliberately or through malice. Generally, the provisions in Nebraska are quite generous as they allow for a greater variety of scenarios than in many other states. Wrongful death compensation may be paid to a surviving spouse, for example, as well as vocational rehabilitation and temporary or permanent disability payments, depending on whether the employee is able to return to work at all. A Lawyer Can Help You Win Your Claim Not all workers’ compensation claims proceed without a hitch. An employer may be found to be illegally uninsured or may be exempt from coverage. A claim may be denied or the amount of compensation may be a lot less than expected. Any of these problems can be discussed in confidence with an experienced workers’ comp attorney. In some circumstances it may be suggested that you file a private lawsuit against your employer, if this is legally possible.
