What is Workers’ Compensation?
Employers have a responsibility to keep their employees safe from harm while they are performing their job duties. However, even with the best protections in place, accidents can and do happen, resulting in an employee being injured on the job.
When you are injured on the job, your employer is required to have workers’ compensation insurance that is designed to pay your medical bills and any wages you may lose as a result of that injury. Understanding what worker’s compensation is and what it covers is important, especially if you do suffer a workplace injury.
Who Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
All employees, whether they are full or part-time staff members are covered under workers’ comp insurance. All companies are required under federal law to provide coverage if they have one or more employees. Although some employers opt to self-insure for employee injuries, others purchase policies from insurance companies to protect employees.
In Pennsylvania, casual employees, domestics and employees who have been exempted from the workers’ compensation act due to personal religious beliefs may not be covered. In Delaware, farm workers are exempt from workers’ compensation coverage, although employers may elect to provide it. In New Jersey, only employees covered under special federal coverage are exempt.
What Injuries or Illnesses Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Any injury or illness that can be attributed to your job duties are covered under Workers’ Compensation.
Some claims that have been processed under the law include:
- Repetitive movement injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cancer caused by exposure to toxic substances
- Physical injury due to falls, being struck by objects or other accidents in the workplace
- Injuries sustained in an automobile accident while performing regular duties of your job
- Faulty machinery or equipment that has not been properly maintained that led to injury
In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, even if you were fully or partly at fault for the incident that caused your accident, or if you had a pre-existing medical condition that was worsened on the job, you are eligible for compensation. In Delaware, there may be instances when a claim may not be paid if an employee is found to be at fault, such as when an injury occurs while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if you intentionally put yourself at risk, such as exposing yourself to a deadly chemical on purpose.
If You’ve Been Injured on the Job
An injury on the job or a chronic illness that is caused by workplace conditions can be stressful and frightening. Workers’ Compensation is designed to reduce that stress by paying all medical bills related to the injury or illness, providing compensation for salary lost as you recover from the injury or illness along with other costs related to treatment. In most cases, even if you may have been at fault, partially or completely, you may still qualify for compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury, or if a loved one has died of an illness or injury related to their job duties, you may be entitled to compensation through workers’ comp. Contact Lundy Law today by completing our simple online query form or calling 1-800-Lundy Law to arrange your initial consultation regarding what rights you may have. We can review your case and advise you on what steps you should take next.
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