Injuries Covered By Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation is a program that is typically instituted by a particular company but is governed by laws which differ from state to state. There are several types of Workers Compensation that include programs specific to railroad workers or federal employees. Not all companies participate in Workers” Compensation, but for those who do, when you experience certain kinds of injuries, Workers’ Compensation will pay you a portion of your wages for a period that is either until you can come back to work or until your Workers’ Compensation benefits run out.

Types of Injuries That Are Covered

Because not all injuries that employees sustain are from the types of jobs they do, Workers’ Compensation statutes determine what types of injuries that they will pay an employee for. These injuries include:

Certain types of diseases that have been contracted at work during regular working conditions due to exposure to certain chemical or toxins. These diseases include types such as lung cancer and mesothelioma

Injuries incurred during lunch breaks, on-the-job injuries that are the result of company facilities, such as a chair at your desk breaking and company-sponsored events (such as a dinner dance or other company celebration).

A preexisting illness or injury that is aggravated or increases because of the company. An example would be a neck injury that you don’t experience pain in right away but it comes later.

Injuries from work related stress or an increase in duties that causes physical and mental strain. This can include injuries for employees who are harassed by their supervisor or have to deal with so many demands that they develop a disabled mental condition.

Workers’ Compensation Versus Suing

One of the goals that Workers’ Compensation works to achieve is that by offering financial support to injured workers they will minimize the number of lawsuits that injured workers file. This means that employees who receive Workers’ Compensation will not bring suits against the company, their supervisors or their co-workers. Receive Workers’ Compensation is also a better option than suing because you get paid when you file, unlike when you go to court and are asked to testify and then to wait. With court there are no guarantees.

Workers’ Compensation Limitations

While Workers’ Compensation is designed to protect the employee and the company, there are limitations to how much support you can receive from Workers’ Compensation. An experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney can explain to you what those limitations are. In general, we know that such limitations refers to the number of months or years you are receiving Workers’ Compensation and the dollar amount awarded in your benefits package.

Although Workers’ Compensation works to keep the company and other employees safe from lawsuits, it is still possible to sue the company if your injury is the result of a defective piece of equipment or negligence on the part of another worker.

Were you injuried while on the job and need help with a Workers' Compensation claim? Contact an attorney to get help with your Workers' Compensation claim today!