Workers' compensation insurance is regulated by the state where you do business. Your rights and your employees' workers' compensation benefits may vary depending on your state. To find rules that apply to you and your employees in your state, click here.

The following facts apply to all states:

• Workers' compensation is a "no-fault" system. Employees who are legitimately injured as a result of their work receive benefits as set by law, regardless of whose fault the injury is.
  
  
• Workers' compensation covers two kinds of injuries or illnesses. (1) injuries or illnesses (including death) that result from a specific work-related accident; and (2) injuries or illnesses that occur over a period of time that are directly related to employment.  For example, a shoulder strain that is caused by the repeated lifting of heavy items at work.  (Note: Regardless of the type of injury or illness, the injury or illness must arise out of and in the course and scope of employment in order to be covered by workers' compensation insurance.)
  
  
• Some injuries or conditions are not covered by workers' compensation. Injuries or conditions that develop over time can be harder to define. For example, a back strain could result from years of yard work at home, mental stress could result from personal problems that have nothing to do with your job, and a heart attack might date back to prior medical history. In all instances, Zenith will review the extent of employer responsibility and employee benefits.
  
  
• Workers' compensation covers more than medical bills. Serious injuries may require hospitalization, the use of medical specialists and longer periods of recuperation, resulting in time off from your work. Workers' compensation benefits may include:
  
  
  • Payment of all appropriate medical costs (i.e. doctors, hospital services, physical therapy lab tests, x-rays, medicines and related transportation services);
    
    
  • Payment of temporary disability benefits to reimburse you for wages you may lose because of your work-related injury.
    
    
  • Assistance with helping you return to work once your treating doctor releases you. This could include a temporary, transitional work assignment or a modified or alternative job.