Employee compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that benefits workers injured at work. Several state governments usually include the program as part of social welfare programs. You may wonder if worker’s compensation covers your injuries while working.
The compensation will cover most injuries or illnesses directly related to your job. Below are 9 different types of injuries covered by worker’s compensation.
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1. Slips, trips, and falls.
Many workplace injuries happen when someone falls after slipping or tripping. These injuries can occur when there is a wet or slippery surface, an uneven surface, or objects in the walkway. For example, insurance will likely cover you if you trip over a loose carpet or slip on a wet floor at work and break your arm.
2. Falling objects/walking into something.
Injuries from falling objects or walking into something are also common in the workplace. These can occur when items are stored inappropriately or when there is poor lighting in the workplace.
If, for example, you work in a supermarket, and a stack of boxes falls on you, and you get hurt, you qualify for worker’s compensation.
3. Motor vehicle accidents.
If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident while on the job, injuries you incur are covered by employee compensation.
For example, if you’re a delivery driver and you get in a car accident, the compensation insurance will pay for your medical bills and any time you miss work.
4. Repetitive motion injuries.
These injuries occur when you perform the same motions over and over again.
They’re common in typing, data entry, and assembly line work. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one type of repetitive motion injury.
5. Cuts and lacerations.
Cuts and lacerations are other injuries often covered by employee compensation insurance. These can occur from sharp objects or when working with machinery that has sharp edges.
6. Bruises from team-building events.
While most bruises will not be covered by insurance, there are some exceptions.
For example, if you get bruised during a team building event that your employer organized, your bruises may be covered by worker’s compensation.
7. Company-wide food poisoning from lousy catering.
Employee compensation insurance will cover your medical bills if you get food poisoning from the office catering.
8. Third-degree burns from the office coffee pot.
Third-degree burns are severe burns that require medical attention and can often result in scarring or disfigurement.
Employee insurance will likely cover your injury if you sustain third-degree burns from a coffee pot.
9. Annoyed encounters with violent animals on-site.
When you are handling or working with animals on the job, and one of them attacks you, worker’s compensation will cover the injury. For example, employee compensation will cover your medical bills if you’re a veterinarian and get bitten by a dog.
Don’t wait! Get a worker’s compensation cover.
These are just nine examples of injuries that worker’s compensation may cover. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and each case is unique.
If you have sustained an injury at work, you must speak to an experienced attorney to determine if your damage is covered.
