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Is Your Injury Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation?

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Getting injured on the job can completely disrupt your life. It can cause physical pain and suffering, mental anxiety, and can be financially devastating.

From acute injuries caused by things like construction accidents to repetitive injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, every American worker faces the reality that they could, one day, have a workers’ compensation claim.

Knowing what is and isn’t covered will help you determine your next best steps following an accident or an injury at work.

Keep reading to learn what types of injuries and illnesses are covered by workers’ compensation.

Things That Are Covered Under Workers’ Compensation

In most cases, workers’ compensation covers injuries that occur while you’re doing things on behalf of your employer or otherwise in the course of your employment.

Most workers’ comp claims arise from injuries that occur at your workplace. However, it can also cover incidents that happened in other places, as long as you were doing things that were directly connected with your job. This could include work-related social events and company parties, even if they’re held at a location not owned by the employer.

Other things that may be covered, include:

  • When injuries occur after alcohol is served at work-related events
  • Injuries that occur on lunch breaks in the company cafeteria
  • Injuries that occur at a restaurant if connected with a work event (ex. lunch with a client)
  • Mental injuries (like depression and anxiety) if caused by the job
  • Preexisting conditions that were worsened during the course of employment

Whether your claim is covered will depend, in part, on the laws in the state where you live and the specific circumstances surrounding your injury.

Common Workers’ Comp Exclusions

It’s also important to understand which types of injuries are typically not covered under worker’s compensation laws. This includes:

  • Self-inflicted injuries
  • Injuries that occur when commuting to and from work
  • Injuries caused while committing a crime
  • Injuries caused by horseplay or fighting
  • Injuries that occur while violating company policies
  • Injuries that occur while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (unless the alcohol was served at a company-sanctioned event)

It’s important never to assume that your injury isn’t covered. While the smartest thing you can do is avoid finding yourself in one of these situations, if you do, it still makes sense to consult with an attorney. There’s a possibility that there could be an exception related to your specific circumstances.

Getting proper advice is always your best bet!

We Can Help with Your Work-related Injuries!

It’s never a good idea to try handling workers’ compensation injuries on your own.  At The Accident Help Zone, we’ve gathered all of the information you need to move forward with your claim – the right way!

Take some time to browse through our list of the Top-Rated Accident Doctors, then contact us with any additional questions. We’re happy to help!