An injury that happens on the job or at your place of work falls under the category of “Workman’s comp injuries.”
It’s crucial that you get the proper medical care to recover from your injury, but many workplaces try to minimize the severity of workers comp injuries, limit the amount of compensation paid to the injured worker, or in some cases – even try to shift blame to the person who was injured.
When Should I Hire a Worker’s Comp Attorney?
If you’ve been injured on the job or at your workplace, you should reach out to an experienced workers comp lawyer. The lawyer will review the facts of your injury with you and will be your advocate to ensure you get the right medical care and any compensation needed to recover from your injury.
The worker’s comp process is confusing and even the best employers are looking to minimize their losses and get you back to work as soon as possible. An attorney you hire to represent you fights only for your best interest, not the best interest of the company.
What Are Common Workman’s Comp Injuries?
Injuries that happen on the job or at the workplace can vary widely. The most common injuries that qualify for a worker’s compensation claim included: deep cuts or tears in the skin (lacerations), sprains and strains (torn ligaments, muscles, or tendons), contusions or bruises, burns, eye and face injuries, broken bones, and cumulative trauma (the term for injuries from repetitive tasks over longer times periods).
How Is the Compensation for a Worker’s Comp Claim Calculated?
Compensation for a worker’s comp injury takes a variety of factors into consideration. These factors often include the extent of the injury, the cost of medical care to treat and rehabilitate an injury, lost wages for time off work to recover from an injury, and benefits to families for employees killed in work-related accidents.
It’s important to review the facts of your worker’s comp case with a local worker’s compensation attorney as they can give you an idea of what type of compensation you are entitled to receive.
What Injuries Aren’t Covered by Workers Compensation?
Most injuries on the job or in the workplace are covered under worker’s compensation, but there are several exceptions. The injury must happen during the “course and scope of your employment.” Essentially, if you were engaged in an activity that benefits your employer or is one of your work duties, your injury will be covered.
What isn’t covered varies by state law, but the following are typically not covered by workers’ compensation: an intentional injury, any illegal activity, commuting to work and home from work, a voluntary recreational or social event, if you are intoxicated when the injury takes place, or if you are engaged in horseplay or fighting. While these typically aren’t covered under workman’s comp, it’s important that you speak to an attorney about your individual worker’s comp case. There may be certain facts about your situation where your injury will fall under the worker’s comp umbrella.
What Should I Tell/Not Tell a Workman’s Comp Doctor?
If you speak with a worker’s compensation attorney, they will tell you to always be truthful about your injury. Never lie or exaggerate to a doctor or the worker’s compensation representative. Often, your employer wants to ensure you are healthy and well-cared for, particularly if you suffer an injury at work. Lying or making up anything about your injury will often be discovered and can discredit your entire injury claim. Be truthful with any doctor you see for your injury and keep open communication with your worker’s comp attorney.
What Are Common Causes of Worker’s Comp Injuries?
Workman’s comp injuries can be due to any number of causes, but the most common causes include: material handling, slip and falls, being hit with an object, an accident with a tool, and long-term repetitive injuries.
If you’ve suffered an injury at your workplace or during the course of your job, it’s worth your time to speak with an experienced worker’s comp attorney. Contact us today to discuss your claim.
Pursu Agency