Applying for Jobs with a Criminal Record: Know Your Rights
Worker's Compensation After A Company Closure: The Facts
Michelle Garrett
Injuries in the workplace are, unfortunately, fairly common. Most workplace injuries can be handled with your employer's worker's compensation insurance. However, you have to wonder what would happen if your employer closed permanently while you are receiving your worker's compensation benefits.
In today's economic climate, it is sadly not uncommon to see businesses closing abruptly. During times of financial struggle, a company, no matter the size, can suddenly end. This can understandably cause you to have concerns about your future worker's compensation payments. The good news is if your employer continues to make payments to their worker's compensation insurance carrier, you should not see an interruption. Here are some other things you need to know:
Will You Really Get Your Payments?
A company typically makes payments to its worker's compensation insurance premium annually. You then will receive your payments from the insurance company when you make your claim. This worker's compensation insurance is a completely different entity from your employer. As long as your employer's payment to them clears, you will get your benefits.
Is There Anything You Should Worry About?
There can be some issues you have to deal with when it comes to getting your benefits from worker's compensation. The most important issue is the timing of your claim for benefits. If you file the claim after the company has decided to close down a business, it can take longer to get approved for your benefits. Once the business closes, the employer's main focus will be closing down its operations to finalize the closure. At this time, your employer will be very busy with these tasks, so your worker's compensation claim may not receive immediate attention as they normally would. While you should have an expectation of a delay, you need to take some action if the wait becomes obsessive. You can certainly contact your human resources department to get a status update.
Do You Need an Attorney?
While most worker's compensation claims are straightforward, there may be a time when you can use an attorney. If your employer is pushing back on your claim or you believe you are being avoided by your employer, you need to have your attorney contact your employer via letter to possibly help move your claim along. If you are denied, your attorney can help you appeal and hopefully help you get a positive outcome.
A workplace injury can have a significant impact on your life. If you are unable to make headway with your worker's compensation claim, contact a worker's compensation attorney to help you with the process.
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I'll be up front: I have a criminal record. As someone who's spent lots--and lots--of time looking for a job in my life, I've gotten used to being up front with this fact. It's difficult to get hired with this on my record, and frankly, it never gets less scary to have to tell an interviewer about it. But that doesn't mean I'm unemployable. I'm a hard worker who can bring a lot to any company. And I also know what an employer needs to do for me. I know my rights. There's no federal law protecting me from discrimination due to my record, but there are plenty of state laws that make it a little easier for me. If you're looking for a job and you have a criminal record, read through this information. Protect yourself during a job search. Know your rights.