No Workers Comp coverage?

[beachbum3]

So I filled out my HR paperwork for my GN position on Friday. In the paperwork was a form I had to sign acknowledging that I am aware they do not carry Workers Compensation coverage.

Is this common? Basically this means if I get hurt on the job I'm SOL for my medical costs/lost work time etc being paid, correct? Do I reconsider taking the position because of this, or is this somewhat common? Please give me your thoughts on this, because I don't really know what to think.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i am not sure that they legally can do that.......i would check into it.....is it only while you are a GN or across the board

[TazziRN, RN]

Uh.......I have never heard of a place large enough to have an HR not having comp coverage. I would think twice about taking that job. I could understand an office, but a clinic or hospital should have it.

[beachbum3]

It is in Texas, and I just researched and read that in Texas, employers are not required to carry worker's compensation coverage. This is a large hospital that is part of a major hospital system in a metropolitan area.

[birdgardner]

I don't know if it's common, but I sure wouldn't work in a job with high risk of injury without it.

NJ requires worker's comp but it can drag on forever actually getting it.

[Alibaba]

In TX, every place I have worked, even agency, make you sign a form acknowledging that they do not have worker's comp. I always thought it was insane coz I have never seen it in other states.

[sjt9721, BSN, RN]

I'm part of a large system in a metro area of Texas. While our place doesn't subscribe to WC, employee on-the-job injuries are handled through the Employee Health department. If I'm injured while at work, I go to the ER (if needed), call Employee Health, and complete an incident report. Follow up is done, and sometimes arranged by, the EH dept.

We've had employees placed on limited duty before. Many years ago I had injured my knee and was in an immobilizer. I spent a few shifts working in an Admin type office organizing files, making copies, etc. The good thing was that I received my full hourly rate while on limited duty.

With all the redtape & headache I read about with WC, sometimes I wonder if this isn't the better way to go.

[RN1989]

Many employers in TX do this. They carry private insurance coverage instead of the usual state worker's comp program. It has its good and its bad just like regular worker's comp.

[Dental Hygienist]

I'm not sure whether it is required by law or not to carry workmen's comp insurance...it is probably regulated state by state..but either way if you are injured on the job it is still the responsibility of your employer....they just may not have insurance for this (that's how I interpret it anyways)

The disadvantage would, of course be if the employer doesn't carry WC and you get injured maybe they aren't too cooperative and you end up having to sue them just to get what you deserve...or if it is a small enough company or a struggling company what if you have a major injury and they cannot afford all the expenses? What if they go bankrupt before you have been paid what you are owed? But, nom,theoretically, you shouldn't be just SOL and stuck with the bills if you get hurt on the job, no matter what kind of WC system they have or do not have.

[justme1972]

i am not sure that they legally can do that.......i would check into it.....is it only while you are a GN or across the board

I agree with this...I don't think that is legal.

I have always been told that once you have so-many employees, employers don't have a choice.

I also would not take a job in a place that didn't carry WC.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

As I understand it WC is mandatory for all states. They may be trying to discourage claims for legitimate injuries but I don't think that they can opt out of insurance.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

see:

texas's system of worker's compensation (workman's comp) is elective, meaning that employers may choose between providing worker's compensation coverage or being subject to civil suit in the event of worker injury. worker's compensation insurance may be provided through a competitive state fund, a private insurance carrier, or employers may self-insure. waivers are not permitted.

at http://www.expertlaw.com/library/comp_by_state/texas.html accessed 4/8/08.

in other words if you get hurt then you will have to sue your employer. i would decline this job or ask the employer to account for how they handle work related injuries. if they are self insured then you should know that going in to the job. (after reading this i have to agree with molly ivins texas is the laboratory of bad government.)