Workers’ compensation laws mandate that employers pay into an insurance pool, which benefits employees injured on the job.
Although workers’ compensation is available in every state, there are differences among the states’ laws. Kentucky has its own rules when it comes to workers’ compensation.
Here is what you need to know about Kentucky Workers’ Comp, or you can see more at https://www.employers.com/where-employers-does-business/kentucky-workers-comp/.
Kentucky Workers’ Comp Insurance Requirements
In Kentucky, all employers with one or more employees must carry workers’ compensation coverage. You should also ask for proof of coverage, a document from your insurance company listing important information about your policy. Every employer in Kentucky is required to display proof of worker’s compensation insurance at their workplace.
Workers’ Compensation Exemptions in Kentucky
Under Kentucky’s workers’ comp laws, the following employees are exempt from coverage:
- A person working in agriculture,
- People who belong to a religious group that opposes insurance policies
- Domestic workers are employed in a private home with one or no other employees.
- Any person who is hired to work for less than 20 days as a handyman on renovations, repairs, or other similar jobs in people’s homes
- Any person who works in return for aid or sustenance provided by a religious or charitable organization
If a Worker is Hurt on the Job, What Should They Do?
All injuries or illnesses must be reported to a supervisor immediately. Most companies have policies for reporting injuries and would like employees to follow those procedures so that benefit claims can be processed smoothly.
Time Limits for Filing Kentucky Workers’ Comp Claims
- Workers’ compensation claims must be filed with the Department of Workers’ Claims. Injured workers must file their claims within two years of the date they were injured or last received disability benefits.
For occupational diseases:
- You must file a claim within three years of being diagnosed with that disease or after the first symptoms appear.
- Claims for compensation for occupational diseases must be filed within five years of the employee’s last exposure to the cause of that disease.
Eligibility Requirements For Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim In Kentucky
- To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must prove that an accident occurred at work. As a business owner, having proper safety protocols is the first step toward preventing accidents and injuries on your premises.
- You and your independent insurance agent must agree on a process for reporting workers’ compensation claims.
Who Is Responsible for Paying Kentucky Workers’ Comp Benefits?
In Kentucky, the Department of Workers’ Claims handles workers’ compensation claims. However, this agency does not pay benefits; employers are responsible for payment (through insurance companies).
Conclusion
If you fail to provide workers’ compensation coverage for your employees in Kentucky, the state could impose heavy penalties and even force you to pay back premiums. In addition to the legal consequences for failing to meet the required standards, you could also face a costly lawsuit from one of your employees if you fail to provide proper workers’ compensation coverage. Proper business insurance is essential to the continued success of any company, and failing to take out a policy could prove very costly.
