When you are injured at work, you are facing several different challenges. The severity of the injury is one of the biggest factors that impacts your future. If you have to miss work, you might not be able to pay your bills. If you need to get medical care, you might be worried about the cost of getting it.
Seeking benefits from workers’ compensation is one option that you have for dealing with the work-related injury. Understanding what kinds of injuries are compensable is imperative in these cases.
While it is commonly assumed that only injuries from accidents are compensable, this isn’t the case. Any illness, injury or condition that is caused by something related to work is compensable under workers’ compensation.
There are many types of injuries or illnesses that are compensable, including mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, repetitive motion injuries, pulled muscles, and broken bones. Exposure to toxic substances or second-hand smoke might also lead to compensation when your health is affected.
Typically, injuries that are caused by your negligence or recklessness aren’t compensable. This means that if you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs when you are injured, you might not be eligible for benefits. Many employers and workers’ compensation insurers require drug tests if an employee is injured on the job.
It is possible that you might not get the benefits you think you are entitled to. In these cases, you might opt to appeal the decision. Learning about the process can help you to decide what you are going to do. It is imperative that you handle appeals as required by law so that you preserve your rights.
Source: FindLaw, “What Types of Injuries are Compensable Under Workers’ Compensation?,” accessed Feb. 17, 2017
