Workers Comp &
Disability Insurance
What is Workers Comp?
Creating and maintaining a safe work environment is one of the most important things a business owner can do for their employees and business. However, some accidents cannot be prevented. When a worker does suffer an injury on the job, workers compensation coverage provides the employee with the financial protection they need and provides the business owner with peace of mind the employee will be taken care of.
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Workers Comp & Disability Insurance Is Required in New York
Workers compensation and disability insurance is required by New York State law for businesses with employees. The coverage extends to medical costs and a portion of lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill on the job - the scope of the coverage of the policy is limited to duties performed by employees.
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Disability Insurance is also required by New York State law for businesses with employees. Disability insurance responds in the event an employee is injured off the job and cannot return to work.
What Is Covered Under Workers Compensation?
Workers Compensation may cover:
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Medical bills for employees injured or who become ill while at work
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Ongoing care (ie. rehabilitation)
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Lost wages during recovering (often partial)
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Employee lawsuits over injuries (Employer's Liability Insurance)
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Funeral expenses if the employee is killed on the job
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Death benefits for the deceased's family
Workers Compensation does not cover:
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Third-party lawsuits
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Lawsuits over professional errors
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Wages for a replacement worker
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Parental leave benefits
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OSHA penalties
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What Is Covered Under Disability Insurance?
While workers compensation insurance provides coverage for employees who sustain injuries or a work-related illness on the job, disability insurance provides temporary cash payments for employees who cannot work due to an illness or disability caused outside of work.
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Disability Insurance & The Paid Family Leave (PFL) Rider
Effective January 1, 2018, the paid family leave rider was added to disability policies in New York State - employers are required by law to provide the paid family leave benefit to employee.
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Paid family leave is a fully funded employee payroll contribution program designed to replace wages and provide job protection to employees for the following:
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Bond - bond with a newly born, adopted or fostered child.
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Care - care for a family member with a serious health condition.
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Assist - assist family when another family member is deployed abroad on active military duty.
Who is considered family for paid family leave?
This coverage would extend to an employee in the event they needed to care for a child, parent (including in-laws), grandparent, grandchild, spouse or domestic partner.