I’ve written several articles about Workers’ Compensation Insurance. In those, I detailed exactly what Workers’ Comp covers and what it doesn’t. However, you can get an even clearer picture by reading about a real-life claim. So, let me share one with you so that you can see an example of what a Workers’ Comp policy covers.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ Comp covers a lot of scenarios and it is one of the easiest insurance policies for people to make a claim against.
- A claimant does not have to pay a deductible on a Workers’ Compensation Insurance claim. Therefore, an employee has no reason not to make a claim against you even if they twist their ankle and it’s only a $100 medical bill.
- Workers’ Comp coverage includes ANYBODY that works for you. It covers part-time employees, full-time employees, independent contractors, interns, students, or anybody else who can argue that they were working for you at the time of their accident.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance carriers are extremely generous when it comes to covering people. This seems to hold true even if the claim seems frivolous or silly.
That brings me to a claim that I had to deal with a few years ago.
True Life Story Involving Workers’ Compensation Insurance
I had written a policy for a short film that was shooting in Denver, Colorado. It was a quiet production that had no issues or claims throughout the entire shoot. They completed filming and the producers began the final wrap when I received a panicked phone call. After a lot of telephoning and emails, I finally understood that THREE people were on their way to the ER!
Of course, I felt concerned for everyone’s safety. However, as their agent, I couldn’t help but wonder how three people became sick all on the same night. That’s a bit concerning for everyone involved.
It turned out that all three became ill during the Wrap Party. Denver air took its toll on three of the young ladies who weren’t used to partying at such high altitudes. The doctors discovered that they each showed symptoms of dehydration which they treated with IV drips.
Thankfully, the film production had Workers’ Compensation Insurance. The medical bills totaled about $1000 which may not seem like a lot. However, taking the insurance benefits also prevented the people involved from filing lawsuits.
To some, this might seem like a silly claim. However, it serves as a great example of how an odd and unexpected issue can arise.
The Law Requires Workers’ Comp Insurance
Because Workers’ Compensation Insurance covers a lot of scenarios and people working on your set, it is one of the more important policies you need. Plus, in most places, the law requires that you have it.
California employers are required by law to have Workers’ Compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee. And, if your employees get hurt or sick because of work, you are required to pay for Workers‘ Compensation benefits. – Department of Industrial Relations
Make sure your film production employees have coverage.
Call Equipment & Production Insurance
If you need more information on 
Workers’ Compensation Insurance then give us a call. Here at Equipment and Production Insurance, we want to help you see your business succeed.
Call us today with any questions you have, and let us help you choose the insurance that is right for you.
