Workers Compensation FAQs

 

Q: What is Workers’ Compensation?

A: Workers’ Compensation is insurance paid by an employer to cover medical care and benefits for employees who are injured or disabled because of their job.

 

Q: What types of injuries qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

A: Common workplace injuries include:

• Slips & Falls

• Back Injuries

• Fallen Object Injuries

• Cuts / Lacerations

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Repetitive Stress Injuries

• Burns

• Broken Bones

 

Workers’ Compensation injuries can also include serious illnesses or diseases contracted while on the job. This does not include common illnesses such as the flu or a cold.

 

Q: What if my employer doesn’t carry Workers’ Compensation insurance?

A: Employers without Workers’ Compensation insurance face unlimited liability, including possible punitive damages, if they lose lawsuits arising from workplace accidents.

 

Q: What if my injury occurred on my way to work?

A: Injuries that occur when a worker is on their way to or from work are not covered by Workers’ Compensation. This includes injuries or accidents that occur during an employee’s lunch break. However, employees who must travel to perform work assignments are covered by Workers’ Compensation benefits if they are hurt during this travel.

 

Q: My boss says I can’t get Workers’ Compensation because it was my fault that I got hurt. Is that true?

A: No. It doesn’t matter who is at fault, unless:

•  You were intoxicated

•  You hurt yourself on purpose

•  You were horsing around

•  You were hurt by someone who was mad at you for personal reasons