Accidents happen anytime, no matter how careful we are with our actions. It can happen even when we are at the comfort of our home or at the place where we spend one-third of our time, our workplace. Accidents at work are also called workplace accidents, occupational accidents, or injuries at work.
Not everyone is knowledgeable enough about their rights when they face an unfortunate situation while doing their job. You should know that you can be eligible to claim workers’ compensation not limited to income compensation, plus health-care benefits such as medical expenses like prescription drugs, treatments or physiotherapy sessions, rehabilitation expenses for training, medical equipment, clothing, and care day-to-day activities.
Workers’ Compensation Law
Workers’ Compensation is the employer’s liability to an employee who sustained an injury during his/her work. The Workers’ Compensation Board administers the said compensation and is funded by employer premiums.
The Workers’ Compensation Act was amended in 2017 to increase the wage-loss benefits and index them to inflation. In 2018, it was amended again to require employers to re-employ workers after their recovery.
This law ensures that injured workers receive wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, rehabilitation, services, return to work plans, and financial compensation for permanent disabilities.
Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)
Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) is the administrator of the Workers’ Compensation Act. They assume no-fault liability for all work-related injuries and illnesses of more than 160,000 employers and more than two million workers.
Employers pay a premium of insurance to WCB, and that the latter pays the compensation for the work-related injuries of employees.
Workers who are entitled to compensation from WCB have waived their rights to sue any worker or employer who is in any way connected to the injury they acquired during the course of their work.
You can consult with a lawyer if you think you are entitled to compensation over WCB benefits.
WCB’s Coverage
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Read More about Workers’ Compensation in Alberta
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Industries covered by WCB
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Industry classification set the stage for rate setting. All employers are classified into industries to help WCB accurately set premiums.
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Business, Personal and Professional Services
- Construction and Construction Trade Services
- Manufacturing, Processing, and Packaging
- Mining and Petroleum Development
- Municipal Government, Education and Health Services
- Provincial Government
- Transportation, Communication, and Utilities
- Wholesale and Retail
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Injuries covered by WCB
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WCB compensates for injuries that occur in the workplace, including work-related accidents and diseases.
- Broken bones
- Severe cuts and burns
- Strains or sprains caused by doing the same thing every day
- Psychological injuries
- Occupational diseases – these are caused by certain working conditions.
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Injuries not covered by WCB
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Injuries that are not covered by WCB include health problems not related to your work.
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Old sports injuries
If a health problem is made worse by a work-related injury, WCB may compensate the person for the time it takes them to recover.
Accidents that occur while driving back and forth to work are not covered although some exceptions may apply.
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Exercise your rights when it comes to workers’ compensation claims in Alberta with the help of Diamond & Diamond Law. Call them for the assistance you need now.
Start to process your claim once you have done the initial processes. WCB will review your claim after you have reported your injury or illness to them and your employer. This will include making initial decisions on benefits and informing you of the status of your claim.