Nearly every employee is covered by workers? compensation in New York, including part-time employees and even some volunteers. These benefits are vital to many occupations, particularly those with hazardous conditions, such as construction workers or factory workers. Workers? compensation benefits exist to ensure that individuals who suffer an injury or illness on the job are taken care of, so that they can do their job safe in the knowledge that if any tragedy should befall them, they and their family will have security.
However, workers? compensation benefits do not extend to everyone. It is common knowledge that independent contractors do not benefit from workers? compensation, but did you know that members of the clergy do not benefit either? There is a rather exhaustive list that can be found in this article, which details those who are covered and those who are not.
It may surprise you to learn that police officers and firefighters are not covered either, despite the dangerous nature of their jobs. Media sales representatives do not benefit from workers? compensation either, as well as some real estate sales persons. Whether or not you are covered by workers? compensation benefits is something you should think about when you perform the functions of your job.
If you are still not sure if you are covered by workers? compensation benefits, consider meeting with an attorney who has experience with workers? compensation claims. You may find that you are covered, even if you did not realize it. If you suffer an injury on the job, and you are covered, you could be entitled to compensation for any injuries you have suffered while on the job, including money or disability benefits.