Widespread Confusion About Workers’ Comp

A new survey from Atticus, a workers’ compensation and disability benefits company, shows significant gaps in understanding. Nearly half of workers worry that filing a claim could put their jobs at risk, and fewer than 60% can correctly answer basic eligibility questions. Only 29% know that insurers pay benefits rather than employers. Confusion is even greater around mental health coverage, which varies by state.

For those who did file claims, long delays and financial pressure were common. Payments took an average of five weeks to arrive, and only one-third said the benefits fully covered their living expenses. The survey also revealed generational divides, with Baby Boomers expressing more trust in the system than Millennials. Experts note that better education and clearer communication could ease fear of retaliation, support timely reporting, and improve confidence in workers’ comp protections.

At Ford Insurance, we're here to help. If you have questions about your workers' comp policy or have questions your employees need answers to, we're happy to answer them.