Most employers are required by law to carry some form of workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. You are immediately entered into the program once you start working there as an employee with benefits. You may be wondering what injuries are covered under workers’ compensation. In this article, we will explain the injuries and illnesses you can receive compensation for.
Workers’ Comp in a Nutshell
Workers’ compensation is a system in which you file a claim for a work-related injury and you receive benefits based on the severity of the injury and the length of time you are affected by it. Oftentimes, by using workers’ comp, you forego your right to sue your employer. You also have to prove that the injury took place at your workplace and not in another place.
Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Repetitive stress injuries, Cumulative trauma disorders, carpal tunnel, and repeated motion injuries are all categories of work-related injuries. Muscle spasms, hernias, and back strains are a few examples of these types of injuries. These injuries are caused by repetitive motions. Whenever you do the same motion over and over again, your body becomes used to it and starts to adjust accordingly. However, certain motions cause excess strain or pressure on ligaments, tendons, and muscles—injuries are a result of this tension.
Injuries caused by defective products and toxic substances used in the workplace are also covered by workers’ comp. Acute and latent injuries can result from contact with harmful substances or defective equipment. Acute injuries are visible almost immediately following an accident. Latent injuries often take time to appear and people with these injures experience illness and sickness.
Stress is a natural part of work but it can become unbearable. Chronic Stress can grow into severe disorders or illnesses if left untreated. Some workers may suffer from a heart attack due to the high-stress level of their job. PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, is an example of a work-related stress injury that is covered by workers’ comp.
Illnesses
Employees that develop illnesses while at work may be able to receive workers’ compensation. This all depends on the type of job you have and the illness. Exposure to a substance that causes sickness is grounds for workers’ compensation benefits. As mentioned earlier, latent injuries can often lead to illnesses that are discovered months and sometimes years down the line.
Illnesses such as mesothelioma or asbestosis can be directly linked to a dangerous work environment. Employees with these illnesses are covered by workers’ comp insurance.
Death
If an employee happens to die on the job, their family is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Finding a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
You may be experiencing an illness or injury that you believe is work-related and you should be looking for compensation. Braker White is a team of Odessa workers’ compensation lawyers that can help you determine if your injury is covered by workers’ comp. Contact us now for a free review of your case and talk to a trusted legal professional today!
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