The workers’ compensation system is a safety net for employees who suffer an injury on the job. Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state, but some basic qualifications must be met before an employee can collect benefits under this type of insurance coverage.
What Qualifies As A Workers Compensation Injury?
An injury must be job-related and paid for by the employer’s insurance policy to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Injuries that are eligible include:
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Agricultural accidents
- Animal attacks
- Construction site accidents
- Electrocution from faulty equipment
- Slip and fall injuries on a company premises
- Transportation incidents where the worker is injured
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, which usually affects people who use their hands and fingers repetitively for work such as sewing or typing
Any injury that occurred on the job and was a direct result of work conditions is considered work-related and qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits. You may be skeptical at first whether to file a claim, but having a Chicago personal injury attorney to guide you through the process is always a good idea. These lawyers ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
What if I Was Injured While on Vacation?
The workers’ compensation system does not cover injuries that take place while off-duty or outside of work hours, including vacations and sick days. This means an injury sustained at home is not covered by worker’s comp insurance even though it occurred when you were not at work.
Suppose you are injured when using your vehicle for business purposes, such as driving to a client’s office to meet with them about an account or contract. In that case, the injury might be covered under worker’s comp depending on the type of car and who pays for it. If your employer owns and maintains the vehicle and pays for the insurance, you should be able to submit a claim.
What if I Was Injured During Training?
Suppose you are injured during or as part of your training program at work. In that case, it may qualify under worker’s comp depending on whether this type of injury is covered by the employer’s policy and what caused the injury. For example, if the injury is related to a specific part of your training and not caused by negligence on the employer’s part, it might be covered under worker’s comp.
What if I Was Injured While On-Call?
If you are injured while reporting for work but no actual shift worked, this type of injury is not covered under worker’s comp. This means, for example, that you are unable to file a workers’ compensation claim if your employer calls you into work but then cancels the shift due to lack of business or some other reason.
Keep in mind that there are several qualifications for workers’ compensation injuries. If you are unsure whether your injury qualifies, contact your attorney to ensure that you get the best possible case outcome and receive all of the benefits you deserve for an on-the-job accident or work-related illness.
What Types Of Injuries Are Not Covered By Workers Compensation?
Though workers comp covers injured workers on the job, some injuries do not qualify for coverage. That is why, as an employee, being familiar with what your work comp covers and does not cover is essential.
- Intentional injuries
Anything that is intentional voids any work comp coverage. This means that if you purposely injure yourself, your injury will not be covered by workers comp.
Even though many people assume that injuries to the hands and feet are always covered, there is an exception for construction industry employees who could lose their hand or foot as part of their job performance without having it covered by work comp.
When you’re hurt at work, it’s always best to get in touch with your employer first before moving on to the next steps of filing a claim and seeking medical attention. If you wait too long after an injury occurs, there is no time for them to correct any issues that could have been prevented or fixed immediately.
- Illegal Activities
If you get hurt due to illegal activities, you will not receive any compensation through workers comp. This includes drug use, drinking while on the job, or taking part in illicit activities related to your workplace.
If there is a risk of being injured by doing something illegal as part of your job performance, whether it’s drugs or alcohol use, depending on where you work, it’s best to seek out other employment.
Once you get hurt at work and file a claim for workers compensation injury, it’s best to contact a workers comp attorney to help you through the process.
Final Words
Understanding the qualifications for workers compensation injuries is essential to keeping your job protected. Once you get hurt at work, you need the proper support and guidance to ensure that all of your rights are protected after an injury.
Having a lawyer on hand can help when you’re filing a claim for workers comp injuries since they have been through this process before and know the ins and outs of how to make a case for your injuries.
