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If you have been injured on the job in Alaska, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. As part of the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim and seeking coverage for your medical needs, you may be asked to submit to an independent medical examination (IME).

We take for granted that we’ll be safe when we go to work each day, but what happens if you start to develop an injury or illness because of chemical or toxic exposure in the workplace? Sadly, this happens to employees all too often, and they’re the ones left to deal with the aftermath.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system used by employers nationwide to provide medical coverage and wage-replacement benefits for workers who suffer injuries or contract illnesses while on the job. Being no fault, neither employer nor employee can hold the other party legally responsible for the injuries or illnesses occurring at work.

Every state has adopted laws that require most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance protects workers if they’re injured on the job by covering medical expenses as well as replacing lost wages due to time off work. There remain many common misconceptions about workers’ compensation that every employee should understand.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) reports that employees who are injured and out on leave are less likely to return to work the longer they’re out. In addition, the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate that employers lose upwards of $40 billion annually due to absenteeism.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system to provide medical care and reimbursement for lost wages for employees who are injured at work or who fall ill from chemical exposure or other unhealthy workplace conditions.

Workers’ compensation has been created to protect workers in the case of an injury incurred at work. But if you already have a pre-existing condition, you may be wondering how workers’ compensation insurance affects you. Unfortunately, this can affect your settlement, as insurance companies tend to deny any claim they can, and they can use your pre-existing condition as a reason for denial.

When involved in a workplace accident or suffering a work-related illness, getting adequate medical treatment is important to help you recover fully. Your doctor will provide medical treatment, set work restrictions, recommend lifestyle changes, or refer you to a specialist if necessary. If you don't like the doctor you were referred to or if your health condition isn't improving, you may be eligible to change physicians.

For most people in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, and Palmer, Alaska, going to work and returning home requires some sort of commute.

In the last couple of years, it’s become more and more common for people to work remotely. This could be an individual choice they’ve made in their career or a mandate by their employer or state. Whatever the reason, the number of remote workers is on the rise and many people are concerned about their eligibility for benefits like workers’ compensation.