3 Worker's Compensation FAQs

Worker's compensation can be a difficult legal issue to navigate. Although many are entitled to the benefits of worker's compensation, many people tend to forego it simply due to the fact that they don't understand a few of the ins and outs of why and when they can be offered worker's compensation. This article will answer a few important and frequently asked questions about worker's compensation. If you have any further questions regarding worker's compensation, it is highly recommended that you discuss the matter with an attorney that specializes in worker's compensation issues.

Which Illnesses and Injuries Are Covered By Worker's Compensation?

The issues which worker's compensation cover varies on state by state basis. However, there is a general trend that most illnesses and injuries that are caused by your work environment or due to administrative negligence will be covered by worker's compensation. In some cases, illnesses and injuries in which your are also partly responsible for can be covered by worker's compensation. Some issues that are almost universally excluded from worker's compensation include injuries that you incurred due to intoxication through alcohol or illicit drug use, attacks on your person by fellow employees, self-inflicted injuries (namely suicide attempts), or any injury that is caused by breaking the law.

Who Provides Worker's Compensation Coverage?

Although the provisions of worker's compensation are state and court ordained, the entity providing you with the compensation itself is your employer. There are no cases when businesses should not be able to provide its employees with compensation according to state law. Having said that, there are many cases where an employer simply has no plan set into stone for providing their employees with worker's compensation benefits. In these cases, it is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney who specializes in worker's rights law, or specifically worker's compensation coverage like Daniels Long & Pinsel.

Are Repetitive Motion-Based Injuries Covered By Worker's Compensation?

Although not every state provides coverage for repetitive motion-based injuries, a solid amount do. An example of a repetitive motion-based injury is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a finger and wrist related issue that tends to befall those who have to type on a regular basis. This issue generally befalls those that are doing administrative and secretarial work. If it can be proven that excessive typing due to one's job is the cause of, or has heavily contributed to the development of the issue, then it will generally fall under the purview of worker's compensation coverage.