What is Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation is state-mandated compensation insurance that provides wage replacement, medical treatment, and medical benefits to injured workers. Compensation insurance and compensation coverage apply to workplace injuries resulting from an accident at work or work-related conditions or illnesses.
 
Workers' compensation insurance is designed to protect employees against economic hardship from an on-the-job injury. At the same time, it serves to protect the employer by immunity from employee lawsuits. The workers' compensation system is a "no-fault" system where employees do not have to prove employer negligence to receive medical care benefits. Damages for pain and suffering are not available in worker's compensation plans.
 
Workers' compensation insurance benefits usually help employees by covering:
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  • Medical treatment
  • Disability benefit
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Death and funeral services
 

Workers' Compensation Insurance Carriers

Compensation to workers most commonly comes from the state-funded worker's compensation plan or an individualized plan from an insurance carrier. However, group health plans provided by self-insured employers are usually available through large corporations. With these plans, the employer assumes the financial risk for providing medical care, health care services, and health care benefits to employees. 

How to Obtain Workers' Compensation Benefits?

If you have suffered a work-related injury or experienced work-related illness, you must notify your employer immediately. You also need to inform your treating doctor that your injury is work-related so that he may file the first medical treatment report with the employer and compensation carriers.

​For more in-depth answers to the most frequently asked questions about worker's compensation, please visit Nebraska Employee FAQ for worker's compensation. For more information regarding Nebraska workers compensation laws, see Nebraska Workers Compensation Court Rights and Obligations Under the Nebraska Workers Compensation Law.
 
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Izadi for a workers compensation evaluation and treatment, or if you have any additional questions, please contact our orthopedic workers' compensation liaison at (402) 361-5234.
 
You are always welcome to e-mail Dr. Izadi at [email protected] with any questions prior to making an appointment.