Employment Law

7 Workers’ Compensation Questions Every Employer Should Consider Part 2 featured image

7 Workers’ Compensation Questions Every Employer Should Consider Part 2

In this two-part article, we are covering seven questions related to workers’ compensation issues that every employer should be considering. It’s important that business owners are always mindful of workers’ compensation laws and are compliant with these laws. If you need to consult a stop work order attorney in Florida, please contact our law firm today.  

5. Do You Understand the Penalty for Fraud?

In the first part of this article, we discussed the reasons why employers should have a confidential reporting system in place to bring attention to fraudulent claims. Along with this reporting system, employers and their employees both need to understand the serious ramifications involved in committing fraud.

A fraudulent workers’ compensation claim can result in one of the following scenarios:

  • Imprisonment: A fraudulent claim may result in jail time. With a serious crime on your criminal record, employment opportunities will be scarce.      
  • Excessive Fines: If you are convicted of insurance fraud, you will have to pay significant fines along with repaying the money that was stolen.
  • Termination: If an employee files a bogus claim, they will be terminated from their position with the company.
  • Business: If an employer is involved in an insurance scam, they can lose their entire business.
  • Reputation: If a business or employee is involved in fraudulent behavior, their reputation may be destroyed.

6. What Happens If I Don’t Pay Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

If an employer is not paying workers’ compensation insurance for their workforce, it can result in a stop work order. Along with suspending work, a stop work order in Florida impacts projects in a variety of ways including:

  • Overhead Costs: Although the work stops, expenses will not for the contractor, including inventory or equipment rentals and other costs affected by the delay.
  • Productivity: Many skilled laborers may leave the project and join another during the break. Productivity is also impacted by a suspension of work.
  • Delays: With a suspension of work, completing the contract by the agreed-upon deadline can also be compromised.  

If you have received a stop work order, you should consult an attorney.

7. Do You Have a Return to Work Program?

One of the most overlooked workplace policies is a return to work program. Employers need a system for welcoming employees back to work. Whether a worker has a disability or returns from a leave of absence, it’s important that you always meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements along with providing employees with appropriate accommodations when necessary. If you want to ensure that you are consistent with these policies, contact an experienced attorney.  

If you would like to speak with a stop work order attorney in Florida, please contact us today.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.