What is the purpose of the waiting period in workers’ compensation?

The purpose of the waiting period in workers' compensation is primarily to establish a timeframe during which no payments are made while the injured worker is in the process of recovery. This waiting period, often referred to as a "waiting period for benefits," is designed to prevent compensation for minor injuries that may resolve quickly without necessitating prolonged treatment or loss of work.

Typically, this waiting period can last a certain number of days following the injury, during which the injured employee may be required to manage without wage loss benefits. If the injury leads to longer-term disability or requires medical intervention beyond this designated period, compensation will typically begin after the waiting period is over.

While other options mention aspects of workers' compensation, such as evaluating ongoing needs or determining eligibility for long-term benefits, these are not direct reasons for the establishment of a waiting period. The waiting period is fundamentally about managing immediate claims and expenses, reinforcing the idea that compensation is intended for injuries that genuinely affect the worker's ability to perform their job in the long term.