What to Understand About Worker's Compensation

Law Blog

Worker's compensation refers to a type of insurance coverage that your employer has that covers your medical bills and other expenses if you're injured on the job. In most areas, an employer is legally required to have this type of insurance coverage if they hire even one worker for their company. If you've been injured on the job, you may have some questions about worker's compensation and what it means for you; note a few of these questions below and then be sure you bring them up with a compensation lawyer so he or she can determine how they apply in your case.

1. Are all injuries covered by worker's compensation?

There are usually limits as to what is covered by an employer's worker's compensation insurance. For example, self-inflicted injuries or those caused by outright carelessness may not be covered; if you start a fight with someone, your injuries may not be covered under the compensation insurance. If you're intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or are committing a crime while on company time, your injuries may not be covered. 

It's also good to note that the compensation insurance may not cover injuries suffered while violating company policy, so if you decide to drive a forklift without proper training or in an area where they're clearly not allowed, and your employer has expressly stated that this is against policy, you may not be compensated for your injuries. Be sure you discuss all aspects of your injury with compensation lawyers so you know if you're covered, given the circumstances of your case.

2. What about job-related injuries suffered away from the workplace?

You don't need to be on the premises of your employer in order to be eligible for compensation; if you were injured while delivering packages or running errands for your employer, were attending a work-related function, and so on, your injuries are usually covered. If your activities were work-related and at the direction of your employer, you may still be eligible for compensation no matter where you were physically located. Don't assume that your injuries are now your responsibility just because you were away from your workplace when they happened, but talk to a compensation lawyer to determine if you're eligible for compensation.

3. When do you sue for compensation?

Typically, you can file a claim for compensation and be reimbursed for medical and other costs, but you may have grounds to sue if your employer did something deliberate to injure you such as picked a fight with you. If there was obvious neglect of your safety, you may also have reason to sue. Discuss this with your lawyer so you know if you may be eligible for added compensation for pain and suffering and the like.

Share

18 January 2016

Sorting out my dad's estate

My dad died when I was still pretty young so it's been a big surprise all the stuff I've had to do to sort out his estate. I'm an only child and my folks divorced when I was a baby so most of the work fell to me. He was kind of disorganised and grumpy, but at least he'd spoken to his lawyer and got a proper will drawn up which saved on confusion at a tricky time. If you are a young person dealing with the estate of a deceased parent, this blog is designed to help you navigate the legal processes.