Getting Smart with Workers’ Compensation Law
Workers’ compensation law provides benefits for workers who were injured while performing the regular functions and duties of their job. This no-fault insurance program will automatically pay workers who meet certain eligibility requirements. Many, but not all, employers are required to have this type of insurance.
Who is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
Generally speaking, anyone who was injured at work may be entitled to workers’ compensation. There are only three real requirements to obtain workers’ compensation. These requirements include:
1. Your employer has workers’ compensation insurance or is legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance.
2. You must be an actual employee of the employer (not an independent contractor, volunteer, or causal worker).
3. The injury or illness that you suffered must be work related.
Several specific job sectors, like agricultural workers or temporary workers, may not be eligible for workers’ compensation. Your employer may not be required to tell you whether you are entitled to workers’ compensation, so speak with a workers’ compensation attorney if you are unsure if you are covered.
4 Common Injuries and Illnesses Covered by Workers’ Compensation
If you were injured at work while engaging in your normal working activities, your injury is very likely covered by workers’ compensation. However, workers’ compensation covers much more than sudden injuries. It also covers:
- Injuries caused by repeated physical motions
- Physical conditions that are aggravated by workplace conditions
- Diseases or chronic conditions that were likely caused by the workplace environment
- Psychological stress related to your job
4 Common Examples of What is Considered “Work Related”
The condition, illness, or injury must be work related in order to qualify for coverage. Most injuries that actually occur on the work premises will be covered.
It covers other situations that are work-related as well. Below are a few examples:
- Being injured at the company softball game
- Involvement in a car accident while going to a service call
- Being injured at a training outing
- Injury that occurs on a lunch break or other break (on the premises)
As long as the injury is somehow connected to employment requirements, then workers’ compensation likely applies. The workers’ compensation law is interpreted liberally to protect as many employees as possible.
If you have been injured in a work-related accident or developed an illness or medical condition because of your work environment, you may have a workers’ compensation claim. Speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for more information.
