July 22, 2021
What happens when you are hurt on-the-job and your employer has no Workers’ Compensation insurance and no money? The short answer is, file a claim with the Workers Compensation Benefits Guarantee Fund.
Alaska law requires employers to have Workers’ Compensation insurance for all employees. When a worker is hurt on-the-job, Worker’s Compensation insurance pays medical expenses. It also pays time loss benefits. Worker’s Compensation insurance may pay retraining benefits and permanent impairment benefits under appropriate circumstances. The purpose of Worker’s Compensation insurance is to provide injured workers with medical care so they can heal up and money for living expenses in the meantime. The goal is for the injured worker to not end up homeless or on public assistance.
If the employer fails to have Workers Compensation Insurance or money to pay Worker’s Compensation benefits, an injured worker is not simply “out of luck”. They can file a claim against the Workers’ Compensation Benefits Guarantee Fund (the fund). The Workers’ Compensation Benefits Guarantee Fund is a state managed fund which is legally responsible for an uninsured employer’s obligations. Though the employer will have to repay the fund, if it can, in the short term, the injured employee should receive medical care and other workers compensation benefits, just as though there was an insurance policy in effect.
Remember, if you are injured on the job you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Even if your employer has no insurance coverage you can obtain the Worker’s Compensation benefits you are guaranteed by law. Call Law Offices of Elliott T. Dennis if you are hurt on-the-job and suffered significant injuries. (907) 929-4890 or email elliott@attorneydennis.com. We will take care of you.