There are also workers compensation acts that are geared towards problems associated with illnesses or health concerns that have arisen from working in certain industries. One example of this is the Black Lung Benefits Act. This particular act provides compensation for miners who acquire www.nlm.nih.govPneumoconiosis a lung disease that develops over time as a result of ingesting coal, graphite, or man-made carbon dusts (Coal worker's pneumoconiosis). This particular act ensures that mine operators compensate workers in the form disability payments and creates a fund managed by the Secretary of Labor (Workers Compensation). The fund is responsible for supplying disability payments to miners in cases where the mine operator is not known or does not have the ability to pay (Workers Compensation).
As you can see worker's compensations takes on many different forms and has different statutes at both the state and federal levels. Worker's compensation plays an important role in assuring that employees or their families are justly compensated in case of injury or death. Workers compensation is also essential because it provides laid-off or fired workers with some compensation while they seek re-employment.
Improvements to Worker's Compensation
One of the problems often levied against worker's compensation programs is the difficulty that workers often face in receiving the benefits they are entitled...
In many cases a great deal of bureaucratic red tape makes it almost impossible for anyone who seeks compensation to receive it or receive all of the compensation they are entitled to receive. To improve this situation states have instituted policies that allow employees to get assistance from attorneys and other professionals in the field of workers compensation. These professionals attempt to make it easier for the employee to receive their just compensation.
Other improvements to workers compensation programs may include longer periods of compensation for those who are unemployed; this is especially true during times of recession. In addition, the language used on worker's compensation documents should be written so that even people who are not lawyers can understood what it is they are signing and to ensure the employee knows what kind of compensation that will be received.
References
Coal worker's pneumoconiosis. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000130.htm
Insurance Glossary. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from; http://www.kanetix.com/glossary-of-insurance-terms
United States Department of Labor, Workers Compensation. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from; http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workcomp/
Workers Compensation. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from; http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Workers_compensation
