Getting injured at work isn’t fun to think about. But the decisions you make when it comes to insurance could help you cover medical bills and lost wages. 

That’s why Wingspan provides access to Occupational Accident Insurance (OAI). It’s designed to help contractors like you when they have an injury at work. And because it might be difficult to imagine a situation at work that hasn’t even happened yet, we’ve compiled a list of actual court cases where the worker was hurt on-the-job.

Keep in mind that these real-world cases do not mean that OAI will cover your specific accident. This article is not legal advice. But it could give you an idea of the types of accidents that happen in the workplace, and how OAI could potentially help you in the future.

What contractors are covered by the OAI provided by Wingspan?

The OAI provided by Wingspan applies to workers in the following fields:

• Claims inspection
  
  • Inspecting and assessing damage to property or vehicles to report on a claim
• Professional & Administrative Services
  
  • Providing technical, creative, administrative, or other professional support services (e.g., development, design, data management, contact center work)
• Driving & Delivery
  
  • Operating a motor vehicle to transport goods, materials, or people
• Auto Detailing
  
  • Performing cleaning, washing, polishing, or restoration services on the interior or exterior of vehicles

Here are some important details to know about this particular OAI coverage:

• The policy does not cover sickness or disease, as it only applies to injuries resulting from a covered accident. OAI provides coverage for accidents only, not sickness. Pre-existing conditions are also excluded. 
• It does not cover damage to a client’s property. 
• Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. Availability, benefits, and exclusions vary by state. It may not be available in all states.
• ODICA membership is required, if applicable.
• OAI is not a worker’s compensation (WC) policy, and may not act as a substitute where Worker’s Compensation is required by law. 
• If you sustain injuries while traveling to or from the location where you’re performing a service, OAI cannot cover those injuries.  

Let’s take a look at real-world examples that can affect different types of workers:

The Claims Inspector

In a high-profile settlement case, a safety and claims inspector was performing an assessment at a general contractor’s construction site. While moving to address a safety violation he spotted, he stepped into an uncovered opening in the floor.

• The Impact: He suffered a fractured rib, a hernia, and a severe sprained ankle. He was out of work for months. 
• How OAI Could Help Claims Inspectors: OAI can cover medical expenses and disability, which covers up to 70% of Average Weekly Earnings.

The Commercial Driver

In this Colorado case, a commercial driver carrying 78,000 pounds of cargo lost control on a sharp corner and rolled his vehicle down a 40-foot embankment. He was found hanging upside down in the cab by paramedics.

• The Impact: The driver sustained serious injuries.
• How OAI Could Help Drivers: Drivers can’t earn money when they’re not on the road. OAI can offer up to $200,000 in continuous total disability for injuries that occurred on the job and up to $1,000,000 per covered accident for medical expenses. 

The Professional & Administrative Services Worker

A remote professional who was required by her employer to store work samples and products at her home was walking to her garage during work hours when she tripped over her dog and broke her wrist. 

• The Impact: The worker suffered an injury from her home office.
• How OAI Could Help Professional & Administrative Services Workers: OAI can cover up to $1,000,000 per covered accident.

The Delivery Service Driver

An independent delivery driver was involved in a serious collision.

• The Risk: Workers whose primary job duties involve driving are at increased risk of injury because their employment places them in continuous proximity to vehicular traffic and roadway dangers.
• How OAI Could Help Delivery Service Providers: OAI can cover up to $1,000,000 per covered accident.

What does OAI from Wingspan pay for?

Missing work due to an injury can be debilitating for contractors – there’s no such thing as “taking a sick day” and getting paid for it. That’s why OAI can be a life-saver; it can cover medical expenses, lost income (also called disability), and accidental death.

That can mean reimbursements of up to $1,000,000 of medical expenses with a $0 deductible. You can review the benefit limits here:

• Accident Medical Expense: Up to $1,000,000 per covered accident
• Temporary Total Disability: 70% of Average Weekly Earnings (maximum of $500/week with a 7-day waiting period; up to 104 weeks)
• Continuous Total Disability: Up to $200,000‍
• Accidental Death: Up to $50,000, with survivor benefits of up to $200,000

This information is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax or legal advice. Wingspan is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Deposits are FDIC-insured through Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The Wingspan Visa® Debit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc.Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank.; Member FDIC.

Occupational Accident Insurance underwritten by Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, an Intact Insurance company. Citadel is the program administrator. Equal Parts Insurance Agency is the broker of record. This insurance is NOT workers' compensation and provides coverage for accidents only (not sickness or disease). Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions; benefits and availability may vary by state. Benefits include: Accident Medical Expense up to $1,000,000; Temporary Total Disability 70% of average weekly earnings (max $500/week, 7-day waiting period, up to 104 weeks). Premium: 3% of non-reimbursable earnings (pay-as-you-go). ODICA membership required (if applicable). Available to contractors in Driving, Auto Detailing, Claims Inspector, and Clerical roles only. Not available in all states.