Workers’ compensation insurance
Can provide medical care and wage benefits for employees with covered work-related injuries or illnesses, subject to state rules.
How the coverage can help
An injury. Support through recovery.
The incident
A work injury
An employee reports a wrist injury linked to their desk work.
Potential policy response
Medical care
The cost of treatment for a qualifying work injury or illness.
Wage benefits
Part of the employee’s lost wages under applicable state rules.
Eligibility, benefits and requirements depend on state law and the facts of the claim.
The fit
Who it’s for
Businesses with employees should review workers’ compensation requirements, including for remote and desk-based teams. Employee thresholds and exemptions differ by state. Where employees actually work matters, not just where the company is incorporated.
The protection
What it can cover
- Medical care after a work injury.
- Medical benefits pay for treatment of a qualifying work injury or illness. The important question is whether the condition is work-related under the applicable state rules, not whether the employee works in an office or at home.
- Income while someone recovers.
- Wage benefits replace part of an eligible employee’s income while a work injury prevents them from working. They are not a promise of full salary: state rules set eligibility, amounts and duration.
- Recovery and longer-term support.
- Depending on the injury and state rules, benefits can include rehabilitation, disability benefits and death benefits for dependents.
Follow a claim
From the incident to the insurance.
Scenario 01
An office setup causes a work injury.
What happened
An employee moves desks during your office setup. They injure their back and need medical treatment.
What the business faces
The employee needs care and time to recover. They may be unable to do their usual work or earn full wages.
Where this policy may help
Workers’ comp may pay for care and part of lost wages. The injury must qualify under applicable state rules.
Scenario 02
An employee develops a repetitive strain injury.
What happened
An employee develops persistent wrist pain. They believe their keyboard and mouse work caused the injury.
What the business faces
The employee needs a medical evaluation. They may need treatment and time away from their regular duties.
Where this policy may help
Workers’ comp may pay care and wage benefits. The condition must qualify as work-related under state rules.
Illustrative scenarios. Whether a policy responds depends on the claim, policy terms, limits and exclusions.
Know the difference
Different policies. Different jobs.
Different policies address different losses. These comparisons explain where to look; they do not mean every coverage mentioned is available through Komodo.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Addresses qualifying work injuries and illnesses, with medical and wage benefits.
Health insurance
Helps pay medical expenses under the health plan’s terms.
What to check Offering a health plan does not replace a workers’ comp requirement.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Connects benefits to a qualifying work injury or illness.
Disability insurance
Provides income benefits under its own terms, often for conditions unrelated to work.
What to check Benefits may interact. Check eligibility and coordination rather than treating the policies as interchangeable.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Concerns employees’ qualifying work injuries and illnesses.
General liability
Commonly concerns injury claims from customers and visitors.
What to check Who was hurt matters. Coverage for one group does not replace coverage for the other.
Good questions
Before you decide
Do I need workers’ comp?
Requirements depend on the states where employees work, the business and any applicable exemptions. Check the relevant state rules when hiring or expanding into a new location.
Who needs it?
Employers should review whether their workers are covered by the applicable state requirements. Part-time status, ownership and contractor classifications can affect the analysis.
What does it cover?
Benefits may include medical treatment, wage replacement, rehabilitation and death benefits for qualifying work-related injuries or illnesses. State law determines eligibility and benefits.
What is employers’ liability?
Employers’ liability coverage may respond to certain employee injury lawsuits that fall within its terms. How it is arranged and how it relates to workers’ compensation depends on the state and policy.
What isn’t covered?
It is not general health or income-protection insurance. Whether an injury, illness or worker qualifies depends on state law and the circumstances; do not assume a universal exclusion applies.
How is the premium calculated?
Premiums commonly reflect payroll and job classifications, with other factors such as claims experience where applicable. Ask how estimated payroll and any audit affect the final premium.
What if I don’t carry it?
Failing to carry required coverage can lead to penalties and liability for employee injury costs. The consequences depend on the applicable state law.
What does a claim look like?
Illustrative example: an employee strains their back while lifting boxes at work. Workers’ compensation may provide treatment and wage benefits if the injury qualifies under state rules.