Yes, most teachers and other school employees in Kentucky can claim workers’ compensation benefits if they get hurt on the job or develop an occupational illness. State law says almost every private and public employer in Kentucky with at least one employee must carry workers’ compensation insurance. That includes school districts and private schools.
Teachers can get workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries or illnesses, whether they happen from a single event or over time. The benefits can cover teachers’ necessary medical expenses and replace a portion of lost wages if they miss work due to an occupational injury or illness.
If you get hurt on the job as a teacher or other school employee in Kentucky, the law firm of Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer has the Kentucky Courage needed to help you claim the maximum workers’ comp benefits you are due. We have extensive experience advocating for hardworking Kentuckians and standing up to big insurance companies.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about what our Kentucky Courage can do for your injury claim.
Injured at School: A Teacher’s Claim for Workers’ Comp
Teachers can face a wide range of injuries at school. For example, falling on a wet floor, getting involved in a student-related altercation, or lifting a heavy object can all lead to serious physical harm. Some teachers also suffer from repetitive strain injuries, like back or neck pain, after years of bending, lifting, and standing for hours per day. Others develop health problems from exposure to mold, infectious diseases, cleaning chemicals, or poor air quality. In some cases, teachers deal with psychological stress and trauma after violent events at school.
Teachers might qualify for workers’ comp benefits if these injuries or illnesses happen on the job. Teachers must report their injuries to a supervisor immediately and get medical care to maintain the right to claim benefits. Waiting too long to report an injury or seek treatment could lead to a claim denial.
What Rights Do Teachers Have When Injured at School?
Teachers in Kentucky have the right to file workers’ comp claims if they suffer workplace injuries or occupational illnesses. Workers’ compensation benefits cover all reasonable and necessary medical costs relating to a work-related condition. Teachers can also receive partial wage replacement benefits if they miss more than seven work days. If a doctor says that a teacher can’t return to their job or if the teacher suffers a lasting injury, they could also be entitled to long-term disability benefits.
Teachers have the right to speak with a lawyer at any point in the workers’ compensation process. Teachers can file formal claims with the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims if a school or insurance company denies benefits. Teachers also have the right to appeal if a judge rules against them.
Are There Differences in Workers’ Comp Rights for Public School and Private School Teachers?
Both public and private school teachers in Kentucky can qualify for workers’ comp, but the process of getting benefits might differ.
Public schools in Kentucky must carry workers’ comp insurance by law. Most private schools must do the same if they have at least one employee. School administrators at some small or religious private schools might choose not to carry coverage, so teachers should ask their employer for details. If workers’ compensation insurance is unavailable, injured workers might be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Public school teachers usually must deal with their school district’s insurance provider, while private school teachers typically deal with private carriers. In either case, the rules for reporting injuries, getting medical care, and appealing denials follow the same state laws.
What Occupational Illnesses Are Covered by Workers’ Comp?
Kentucky workers’ comp covers many job-related illnesses. For example, if a teacher gets sick because of mold, chemicals, or other harmful substances at work, they can file a claim. Workers’ compensation can also cover lung problems, skin conditions, or allergic reactions linked to the school environment.
If a doctor connects a teacher’s illness to something work-related, the teacher can request medical care and wage-replacement benefits. Teachers must report their illnesses to their employers as soon as possible. They must also obtain doctors’ notes linking their illnesses to their job duties or work conditions.
What Workplace Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Kentucky workers’ comp covers most physical injuries that happen on the job. That includes injuries from a single event, like falling on a slippery floor on school property, getting hurt in a motor vehicle accident on a field trip, or getting hurt while breaking up a student fight at a school-sponsored event. It also includes injuries that develop over time, like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain.
Teachers can file a claim if an injury happens because of work duties. However, workers’ comp does not cover injuries resulting from on-the-job horseplay, intoxication, or self-harm. To qualify for benefits, teachers must report their injuries promptly and follow medical advice from a licensed doctor.
What Benefits Can a School Teacher Receive?
If a teacher in Kentucky gets hurt or sick because of their job, they could qualify for several types of workers’ compensation benefits, including those that cover:
- Medical treatment – Workers’ comp pays for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to a work injury or illness. That includes medical bills for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, diagnostic tests, and even travel costs for medical appointments.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) – If a teacher has to miss work for more than seven days, TTD benefits can replace a portion of their regular paycheck until they can return.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) – If an injury causes lasting problems but the teacher can still work in a limited way, they could receive regular PPD payments based on their level of impairment.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) – If an injury prevents the teacher from doing any kind of work, they could be entitled to long-term wage replacement benefits.
- Death and burial benefits – If a teacher dies from a work-related injury or illness, their family can receive a lump sum for burial costs, along with income payments for certain dependents.
If someone other than the employer or a co-worker was responsible for the work-related injuries or occupational illness, the school employee might be entitled to pursue a third-party personal injury claim in addition to seeking workers’ compensation benefits. Our personal injury lawyers will review your unique situation from every angle so we can pursue all potential sources of recovery for you.
How Our Attorneys Help Teachers with Workers’ Compensation Claims
If you’re a teacher in Kentucky and got hurt or sick because of your job, you don’t have to go through the workers’ comp process alone. The experienced workplace injury attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can manage all the legal details and handle your claim from every angle. Whether you need help filing a claim, addressing delays, or appealing a denial, our workers’ compensation lawyers know how to move your case forward.
You can contact us 24/7 to get started with your free consultation. We’re always here to listen, answer your questions, and explain your options.
