How can I be sure if my injuries are work-related?

Workers’ compensation covers only work-related injuries. These are injuries sustained during the ordinary course of employment.

Work-Related Injuries

Workers’ compensation covers only injuries that are suffered while an employee is doing something on behalf of his employer. While most work-related injuries happen at the workplace, they also may occur in company-owned vehicles or at corporate parties, picnics, or other social events sponsored by the employer.

Determining If Injuries Are Work-Related

Here are some circumstances that may determine whether an injury is work-related:

• A pre-existing condition that is aggravated due to employment responsibilities is generally considered to be work-related.
• An injury sustained during a lunch break is typically not covered under workers’ compensation, unless it occurs in a company cafeteria.
• If an employee is injured while he is intoxicated, his injuries might not qualify for workers’ compensation. However, if alcohol was served at a work-sponsored event, such as a holiday party, his injuries may be considered work-related.
• Mental conditions that are work-related, such as trauma sustained during a workplace accident, are covered by workers’ compensation.
• Injuries sustained while commuting to or from work generally aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if the injuries occur during business-related travel or in a company vehicle, they will likely be covered.
• If an employee is injured during horseplay or while otherwise breaking a workplace safety rule, his injuries may still be covered, depending on the level of misconduct.
• Hearing loss sustained in a noisy work environment, such as a manufacturing facility or construction site, is covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

Work-related diseases or illnesses qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Employers and their insurance companies are often all too eager to exclude legitimate work-related injuries from workers’ compensation benefits. You need representation by an experienced attorney in order to prove that the injuries you’ve sustained were employment-related. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.