Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Typically when we think of workers’ compensation covering injuries, we think of labor-intensive jobs. Jobs like factory work and construction come to mind. You might also imagine jobs where injuries are possible due to other risks such as being a security guard or police officer. 

However, work-related injuries can take place anywhere–regardless of the work environment or work duties. Additionally, even becoming sick while on the job may be covered under workers’ compensation. We’ll break down typical injuries or conditions covered under workers’ compensation and what isn’t covered. 

Common Physical Injuries Workers’ Compensation Covers 

Workers’ compensation can cover a wide range of injuries. Essentially, when you can prove there’s a link between your job and the injury you’ve received, then there’s a good chance you may qualify. According to OSHA, common injuries include: 

• Damages from slips or falls
• Bone fractures or breaks 
• Any muscle tears, sprains, or strains 
• Lacerations, cuts, or punctures 
• Conditions like tendonitis, back pain, or carpal tunnel caused by repetitive motions
• Electrocution 
• Becoming crushed or stuck between different objects
• Sustaining damages from an object or equipment 

While these are some of the more common injuries, there are many other injuries that can qualify. For example, automobile crashes often happen in certain professions. Additionally, becoming sick may qualify. An example of this might be a coal miner developing lung disease. 

However, conditions like certain types of cancers, high blood pressure, or discovering an illness like mesothelioma later on in life can be hard to link to your job. 

What Workers’ Compensation Doesn’t Cover

Sometimes there are injuries not covered under workers’ compensation. Instead of being specific injuries or conditions, it’s more so the elements surrounding an injury. Circumstances, where workers’ compensation doesn’t come into play, may include: 

• One or more employees were intoxicated or under the influence of drugs when the incident occurred.
• The injury was self-inflicted. One example can be if a worker wasn’t following proper protocol or was fighting another co-worker. 
• The incident didn’t happen on company time. 
• The employee forwent safety regulations or company policies
• One party inflicted harm on another party intentionally. 

It’s important to know that workers’ compensation typically doesn’t include contractors or subcontractors. However, when a working environment leads to a worker’s injuries, they can still pursue litigation against the party responsible. In such a scenario, a lawyer may advise you to file a civil lawsuit against the party instead. 

What Expenses Can Workers’ Compensation Cover? 

Workers’ compensation can cover various expenses. Some expenses include: 

• Medical bills including both current and future, and physical therapy
• Disability benefits 
• Death benefits in the case where a worker is slain 
• Compensation for lost wages 
• Compensation for legal fees such as lawsuits

While workers’ compensation is meant to make a victim feel whole and cover their immediate bills and ensure they can are taken care of while they can’t work, sometimes having a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side is necessary. The right lawyer will work with you to ensure you’re given the right representation and compensation you deserve. Our friends at Therman Law Offices, LTD can help.