Ramsey employees may wish to know what types of injuries are covered under workers’ compensation. Depending on the connection of the injury to the job, many injured workers are eligible for benefits under these programs.
Mandated by state law, workers’ compensation insurance programs compensate an employee for damage caused by workplace injuries. The benefits include medical care, disability and lost wages that are the result of the accident or other work-related incident. While every employer is required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, only employees are eligible for coverage. A worker classified as an independent contractor will generally not be able to take advantage of the employer’s coverage. Typically, this type of coverage only applies to work-related injuries. For example, if the injury occurs on-site or while using an employer-owned truck for work purposes, it would be covered.
Also covered are injuries that occur during lunch breaks on the premises or in connection with the worker’s employment at another location. Psychological injuries, such as depression or anxiety, may also be covered if the cause of the issue was work-related. When a worker’s preexisting condition, such as a back injury, is worsened due to working on the job, this may also fall under workers’ compensation coverage. However, when an injury is caused by disregarding safety rules in place at the workplace, these injuries may not be covered by workers’ compensation.
Due to the fact-specific nature of these claims, the information above should not be considered legal advice. In situations where an injury on the job affects an employee’s ability to continue working and earning a wage, an attorney may be able to help. The attorney may be able to assist the employee throughout the workers’ compensation claim process, from filing to appeals.
Source: Findlaw, “Workers’ Comp Benefits Explained“, August 21, 2014
Source: Findlaw, “Workers’ Comp Benefits Explained“, August 21, 2014
