After a workplace injury, one thing you can seek out is workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a benefit provided by employers that helps cover you in the case of accidental injury on the job. When you’re hurt, whether it’s due to a repetitive strain injury or one you develop in an industrial accident, workers compensation should help you cover medical bills, lost wages and other financial losses.

On top of providing you with compensation, workers compensation also provides you with some coverage for retraining for a position and death benefits for your family in the case of your untimely demise.

What should you know about workers compensation?

Workers compensation is a requirement. That means that employers need to carry it to protect their employees. Employees are any people who perform services for another person, who hires, are part-time workers or provide nanny or domestic care in an employer’s home. Employers even have to cover individuals who may not be citizens.

There are some exceptions to workers compensation laws. For instance, business owners may not have to carry workers compensation insurance on themselves or their family members. If you are an independent contractor, then the person who hired you for a job is not required to carry workers compensation for you.

If you are hurt on the job, it’s best to find out exactly where you stand with regards to workers compensation. Knowing if you have a right to it can help you decide if you can file a claim and if your employer has provided appropriate coverage for you at your place of employment.