Disabled workers often face a set of challenges which their colleagues may not even be able to comprehend, much less empathize with.

Even when they work with an employer who provides them with the support they need to do their job to the best of their ability despite their disabilities be they visible or invisible.

Even though all employees have the right to employment without being discriminated against on the basis of disability, they may not have the same provision in place if they leave their home state to pursue a job elsewhere.

Different states have different rules and while you have federal protection against discrimination, some different states have subtly different attitudes towards individual disabilities especially when it comes to workers’ compensation.

Whether you have an existing disability or want to ensure that you’ll have the right to receive workers’ compensation if you suffer a debilitating injury at work it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the disparity between states (and even between organizations).

Workers’ comp is mandatory in all US states… except one!

You could be forgiven for assuming that workers’ compensation is a right for employees in all 50 states and while it is mandatory in most it is not mandatory in Texas.

Of course, that does not mean that a Texan employer will not necessarily award workers’ compensation to their employees, nor does it necessarily mean that an employer’s workers’ comp provision will cover your work-related disability outside of Texas.

This is because different employers have different forms of insurance and thus there may be a disparity between local law and employer policy.

It’s highly likely that an employer in Texas will have a worker’s comp provision in place, but employees will have the option to opt out of it. These people are referred to as “nonsubscribers”.

Where policy meets insurance

Even in states where workers’ comp is mandatory it is not entirely state run. In many cases worker’s comp provision is a combination of state legislature and private insurance policies.

The only states that rely on entirely state-run programs for workers’ compensation are North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, and Wyoming.

Businesses can purchase insurance for compulsory and non compulsory components meaning that two employers in the same state may offer different workers’ comp provisions which cover a different range of disabilities.

Workers’ comp: Know where you stand

As you can see, it’s important to know where you stand in terms of workers’ comp. Read this article by Terry Katz & Associates: what disabilities covered under workers comp laws. There are two ways in which you can (and should) check this out further.

Check employer’s obligations

First, you should check your employer’s (or prospective employer’s) legal obligations by familiarizing yourself with your new state’s workers’ comp laws (WCL). This will outline the bare minimum that your employer is entitled to offer.

However, their insurance provision may be in excess of this legal minimum so even if you have an existing disability that is not covered by local WCL this does not necessarily mean that it’s not covered by your employer.

Ask what disabilities are covered

This is why you should know exactly where you stand with your employer before you join the company. Ask what specific disabilities are covered by their workers’ comp insurance policy. This may be in their employee handbook or their Human Resources department may be able to help.

Running a fleet of vehicles in your business is costly exercise, so it’s wise to keep up with developments in vehicle technology, and other areas like financing and tax obligations.

Reducing costs and boosting business productivity is a driving force of change so when is it a good time to add more vehicles or change out the vehicles you’re currently running?

We have some of the reasons right here.

Why Your Business May Add Or Change Its Vehicles

Growth in staff who will need company vehicles

This is a pretty simple and obvious reason to add to your company’s tally of vehicles. As more and more people join your company, you might find that they need to embark on commercial travel as part of their job.

What you need to consider is what type of vehicle will be service their requirements in their role for your business, plus how your business should fund the purchase. There’s also the tax implications to consider too, which will vary depending on where your business resides. Contact your professional advisors and also do some research online on both tax requirements and funding options.

The Telegraph in their article identifies how businesses can choose vans and the financing options including leasing finance.

Your business needs a new type of vehicle

You should take into account not only the number of your workers who might need commercial vehicles at any particular time but also how exactly they would want to use those vehicles.

Fleet News notes that many firms adhere to an “open choice” policy, whereby employees are free to choose the make of car they would like. Don’t just consider the brands, though, but also the colours – some aren’t always business-friendly – and the seating capacity in case you want to transport clients.

To save on running costs and boost productivity

You might already be aware of the eco-friendly benefits of switching from a gas-guzzling vehicle to an electric one. Naturally, these benefits hold true in the business world, too. However, all the same, remember not to insist on such vehicles if there would be worrying practicality trade-offs.

For example, a driver who does over 20,000 miles annually might not find a purely electric vehicle cost-effective. Also, keep in mind that setting a CO2 cap can be a worthwhile alternative green measure.

However most businesses reliant on large vehicles in their fleet have their eye on the advancements in autonomous vehicles like large trucks and vans says better wise insurance. They are keen to find the best prices for fleet insurance and save on costs and boost productivity.

Your business wants to trim its tax obligations

This is another strong reason to consider investing in green tech for your fleet. You might not have realised how much you could save on van tax from switching to a zero-emissions vehicle. Various Government initiatives have ensured this for UK drivers.

Whereas, in the UK, most new small and medium vans attract a universal tax rate of £250 yearly, no annual road tax applies for electric vans. The tax savings could enable you to polish up other aspects of the business.

Get the best deal for your business

When sourcing insurance for multiple vehicles in a single fleet, it’s possible to save money. Check with your broker so you get the best deal by paying less for each extra vehicle you add to the policy.

Whatever your size from startup, to small business to large corporate, as a business owner, or CEO your many responsibilities include protecting the company against lawsuits and that includes litigious employees.

Workers’ compensation insurance is for the employee. It provides support with wage replacement and medical benefits when employees are injured at work. There’s a more detailed account of workers compensation explained here.

Although workers’ compensation is technically designed to protect workers, it also provides protection for businesses. It can shield your business from lawsuits filed by employees who claim that you or an employee you hired caused an on-the-job injury and also fines.

Protects The Business From Fines

For starters, it protects you from fines. All states, with the exception of Texas, require businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance.

If an employer fails to obtain Workers’ Compensation insurance, they are subject to administrative fines and potential criminal liability and premium penalties and may be ordered to close business until insurance has been obtained and will be held financially responsible for all costs arising from a work-related injury.

The quote above is from Jason D. Mills & Associates

With adequate workers’ compensation insurance cover your business can also be protected in other ways let’s look at a couple of them.

Limits Legal and Financial Liability – Work-Related Injury or Illness

Employees get extensive cover including: medical care for illnesses or injuries; vocational training, income replacement, funeral expenses and death benefits if the employee is killed on the job; and in return employees are prohibited from suing employers for on-the-job injuries, except for cases of gross negligence that leads to an employee’s death.

When your business has the right level of cover, it’s not liable for:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Fines for not having coverage
• Damages incurred by the employee, which may include pain and suffering, punitive damages and loss of life enjoyment

Gets Employees Back to Work

Workers’ compensation ensures that workers receive the medical care and rehabilitation they need to get back to work.

Thus when an injured employee’s needs are met, they are more likely to remain in the job and with the company so it’s a win win for all parties.

An absent worker no doubt puts more pressure on everyone in the business, especially if it’s a small business. Ideally a temporary hire can fulfil the role in the interim.

Implementing an effective transition program, is also wise as it will speed up the the injured employee’s return to work while ensuring they are able to handle all their tasks safely.

Summary

With adequate workers’ compensation insurance, employees have the security and peace of mind that they will be taken care of if they are injured on the job.

For businesses irrespective of size, having the right level of coverage is professional and it shows that you are a responsible employer who cares about your employees.

Not all states in USA make the cover mandatory so if your business is located in a state that doesn’t require it,
your business will be attractive to new staff hires and secure employee loyalty.

Businesses get insurance to cover for theft, accidents, property damage and making a claim is common occurrence especially for the 10 most common business insurance claims.

In this article we look at general role role of adjusters for insurance claims. We also hone in on public adjusters, their role and how they work with other insurance claim adjusters on behalf of policy holders. Plus we provide tips on what research to do when choosing a public adjuster for your business.

Public adjusters are one of three types of insurance claims adjusters and it’s worth knowing how their roles differ, so you can work out when it’s appropriate to engage the services of an adjuster for your business.

Types of Insurance Claims Adjusters

There are three different types of claims adjusters, each are explained simply below:

Company or Staff Adjuster

The role of a staff adjuster is to manage the claims process for the insurance company. They are employees of the insurance company. It’s this group, policy holders communicate with regarding their claims.

Independent Adjuster

An independent adjuster is engaged by insurance companies to manage the claims process. They are self employed or independent businesses and as they’re contracted to insurance companies they can manage many different claims at the same time.

Public Adjuster

This type of adjuster is the policy holder advocate – hence the ‘public’ also independent, and only works for the policy holder. Claimants hire these professionals to ensure that they are getting the maximum payout possible from the insurance company.

Reasons to Hire a Public Adjuster

There are several reasons that a business might hire a public claims adjuster to help with their insurance claim.

For large loss claims – If the damage/loss is substantial and there is a lot of money at stake it makes sense to have independent help. There are a lot of variables which affect the value of your compensation and professional assistance can definitely maximize the payout.

If there is a dispute – If you have a dispute with the insurance company it can result in a tricky situation. In such cases businesses often seek outside assistance to help them achieve a favorable outcome.

If you’re time constrained – Another common reason for businesses to use a public insurance adjuster is to save time. If the adjuster is dealing with the claim it allows personnel to get on with their core functions which serve the company’s goals.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Public Adjuster

If your business is looking to hire a public insurance adjuster then it is good practice to do some screening first. Finding the right professional will have a huge impact on the outcome of your claim. If you’re in the USA these questions are highly relevant.

1. Are You Licensed to Practice Public Adjusting in My State?

Although most of the public adjusters will have a license with them for their identity, it is crucial to check with the state department of insurance if they are properly licensed in your state. Napia has important information you may need about certified and licensed public adjusters in a particular state.

2. Will You Handle My Claim Personally?

It is important to consider using a public adjuster who can personally handle all your issue. Along with those acting as public adjusters without a proper license there are also some firms that may outsource or pass off the work to others rather than handling the claim themselves.

Research shows that the process is much easier to deal directly with the public adjuster who will be dealing with your claim.

3. How Many Claims Have You Sorted Out in This Area?

Knowing the number of claims a public adjuster has been able to sort out in your area will help you determine how good they are at their job. Public adjusters who have worked many claims in your area are also highly likely to be successful.

4. What Are Your Credentials, Public Adjusting and Construction Estimating Skills and Experience?

Public adjusting is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. You can easily find some of the credentials and experience of a public adjuster by checking their references and reviews online.

A public adjuster, in most states, cannot do the contractor job of estimation and the contractor cannot handle the job of a public adjuster. This can create a conflict of interest. However, a good public adjuster should have the necessary building and construction knowledge and be able to help find or refer the needed contractors.

Make sure you examine the credentials and skill set of your public adjuster since an under experienced and poorly qualified one may lead to hiring the wrong professionals.

5. What Are Your Fees and Charges?

The fee depends on the states one resides in. Different states have different regulations on what public adjusters are allowed to charge.

However, in every state it is crucial to establish an agreed upon fee up front and have that in a written contract with your public adjuster. It is also important to research the price public adjusters charge for your type of claim in your area, so as not to be largely overcharged.

Summary

There are different types of adjusters and public adjusters work for the policy holder.  Their role is to get the best outcome for their clients.

Do your homework before selecting the appropriate person or team to work on your behalf.

It takes money to start a business. Even once it’s up and running, you’re still going to need finances to continue trading and invest in it’s growth.

One of the reasons why you need financial backing in business is down to safeguarding your investment and reducing the potential risks to your operation. It is vital that you have the right insurance coverage in order to protect you and your business from the unexpected. If you want to protect your assets, then having the wrong insurance coverage can quickly come back to bite you in the bank balance.

If you’re not convinced that you even need insurance, here are the six reasons why you might want to reconsider.

1: Liability protection

If anyone suffers an injury in your workplace, then you can quickly face legal proceedings. Liability claims are potentially very damaging to a business.

UK small business insurance provider, Hiscox says: business insurance can make sure that your business is protected from liability claims and can help you to continue trading without a huge payout from your personal finances.

Liability coverage can also cover the costs of legal proceedings, meaning that you have little stopping you from continuing to trade without the fear of workflow interruption or financial damage.

2: Property protection

Both the premises that are your base of operations and the equipment that you have inside it need protection. Natural disasters can cause major damage and can result in massive workflow interruptions.

If you have the wrong coverage or none at all, then the finances that you need to recover will have to come from your own resources. For theft as well, the right insurance will ensure that your business can resume trading as soon as possible.

3: Your human assets

If you have employees, then you’re going to need to protect them. That’s why having a disability or death factor included in your policy will be vital. Protect your most valuable employees by offering this safeguard. Some business owners even offer life insurance as part of the recruitment package, making them far more appealing to the best hires.

4: As part of your business plan

All businesses need a business plan. Not only is it essential for managing your growth strategy and fine-tuning your marketing campaign, but it is also an essential part of sourcing financial backing.

Investors that you hope will offer financial support for your business will be more likely to invest money in your business idea if you have the right coverage in place. Lack of insurance will usually mean higher interest rates from the investors that are willing to put money into an uninsured business model.

5: Your home insurance

If you have a home office and you’re trading online from the comfort of your own home, you might assume that your home insurance is sufficient. It’s not.

Both medical and liability claims are not going to be supported, and theft is not usually going to be covered by home insurance policies if you lose essential office equipment.

6: The legal necessity

Many countries make it a legal requirement that you have some form of insurance. In the US, this will change depending on your state. No matter which country you’re planning to set up your business in, make sure that you are aware of the legal requirements regarding your insurance coverage options.

You will no doubt be investing plenty of your own time, money, and energy into your business. Launching a business is always inherently risky, but you can reduce the potential risks by protecting yourself. Make sure that you understand just why business insurance is so essential, and your business will be far more secure.

Lawsuits can create enormous financial strain and pressure on both yourself and your business if you do not have the relevant business insurances to help you pay for legal costs and compensation packages.

As well as implementing a safeguarding strategy that instigates risk assessment and workplace health and safety guidelines, you should prioritise securing a public and employer liability insurance package that works for you.

Numerous different business insurances can benefit your company, from vehicle insurance for your vans and lorries, to equipment and product cover in the case of theft or damages. However, the most important insurances are those that relate to people, most specifically your employees and the general public.

The scope of the policy agreement to which you should agree depends entirely on the nature of your business as well as the size of your workforce and the projects you complete, but it’s always recommended that you seek expert advice, such as from an insurance broker.

How can public liability insurance benefit my business?

Although public liability insurance isn’t legally required, it will certainly save you a lot of financial expense when it comes to those costly lawsuits against your business. Public liability insurance can financially protect you from claims made against your business by third parties in relation to work carried out by your company.

The problem that gives rise to a claim can be anything from damages caused to a home you’ve been working on, to injury or illness to a third party – such as a member of the general public – as a result of an incident related to your work.

Although available with a range of different add-ons and scope, this insurance can cover legal costs and medical bills, as well as compensation packages awarded against you in the future. In addition, possessing this invaluable insurance package will highlight you as a reliable business renowned for professionalism and quality work.

How can employer liability insurance benefit my business?

Employer liability insurance is legally required in the UK – and, for that reason alone, it is a good idea for you to purchase a fitting policy. Often referred to as EL, this type of insurance covers you against any potential claims or compensation by employees in relation to an illness or injury that has been sustained by someone working for you.

According to statistics, failing to purchase this insurance cover could mean lawsuits as well as fines of up to £2,500 for every day that you are not covered.

This insurance covers all types of employees in the face of injury or illness – including full- and part time contract staff, freelance workers and temporary members of your workforce. Remember: if suffering an injury at work or an illness means that they’re required to stay off sick, then this could pose financial strain to your business as well as risk a loss of income.

Let’s consider some examples of how employer liability insurance can cover expenses in a costly lawsuit. Let’s say you have a builder who has now retired but spent many years working for you operating pneumatic machinery on-site.

He has now developed carpal tunnel syndrome and is looking for compensation against you for the injuries he has sustained. Your employer liability insurance package can meet all legal costs and compensation which you are liable to pay in this instance.