Understanding Workers Compensation Insurance for E2 Visa Holders

All countries have different laws when it comes to handling injuries that have occurred to workers but in all US states there is some provision made for these occurrences. This means that the employer has to take out worker’s compensation insurance to cover for these events. If you set up a business in the country with an E2 visa you should consider taking out worker’s compensation insurance. If you have owned and operated a similar business in your home country, don’t assume that the rights of any employees at home are the same as they are in the US.

If your business does not have the workers' compensation coverage which is required by state law and one of your employees is injured while at work, then he or she could file a lawsuit against you. This could be a very expensive mistake so you should ensure that you are sufficiently covered. You could carry out a risk assessment to see if there is any action you can take to prevent the occurrences of accidents in your workplace.

Injuries and illnesses that can be covered include sudden accidents, such as tripping on loose carpeting, falling off scaffolding or longer term afflictions like repetitive stress injuries (RSI's) from sustained computer use or an illness that has resulted from chemical exposure, radiation, or air pollution. The insurance you need to take out will depend on what risks you may have in your business. Also, if any of your employees will work away from the workplace they are covered for injuries sustained too.

Fortunately you are not held responsible for any injuries to your employees that are a result of drug use or intoxication, injuries that have been self inflicted, injuries due to employees’ arguments, employee off-the-job injuries or felony-related injuries.

Despite the protection you will have by taking out insurance an employee can still file a lawsuit if you did something intentionally to hurt him or her. Also, if one of your employees is injured by defective equipment he or she may have grounds to file a lawsuit too.

There are substantial benefits available for an injured employee, which includes income while the employee is not at work, the cost of medical treatment and drugs and rehabilitation benefits if they are required.

As an employer, you may be required, and in any case absolutely should post notices in a visible place which clearly inform your employees of their rights when it comes to worker’s compensation. This should include the name of your insurer and a statement to confirm that if one of your employees is injured, he or she has the right to medical treatment through a doctor of their choice. You should note also that you have to provide an injured employee with a claim form for workers compensation within 24 hours of notification of the injury.