Do all workplace injuries qualify for workers’ compensation?
We all know the adage, ‘accidents happen,’ and unfortunately, they happen in the workplace. In 2021, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2021. Some of these injuries and illnesses qualified for a workers’ compensation claim.
In order to find out what qualifies for a workers’ compensation claim, let’s first define workers’ compensation. Then, we will discuss what qualifies for a claim and how the workers’ compensation attorneys at Lepley, Engelman, Yaw, and Wilk LLC can help.
What is workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that workers can access if they are injured or develop an illness due to their work-related activities. It covers medical costs, lost wages, and other benefits for workers who experience workplace injury or occupational diseases. However, obtaining workers comp can be very complex and involve a lot of paperwork, so many seek workers' compensation lawyers to help them understand their rights and ensure they receive all the benefits they are entitled to. Workers' compensation attorneys, like the ones at Lepley Engelman, Law & Wilk, LLC, have specialized knowledge about workers’ rights and how to navigate the workers' comp system. They also provide legal representation for workers in hearings, depositions, and appeals arising from disputes over workers' compensation claims.
Who is covered, and who is not covered?
Some workers, such as independent contractors, may not be covered by workers' compensation. Understanding workers' compensation laws in your state and determining if workers comp applies to you before making any claims is essential. Working with a workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure that workers receive the benefits they deserve and provide legal representation throughout the process. If you or someone you know has been injured at work, it may be beneficial to contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney for assistance.
By better understanding workers' compensation, workers can ensure their rights are protected and improve their chances of receiving the full benefits they need following a work-related injury or illness. Additionally, a workers’ comp lawyer can provide invaluable advice in navigating the workers' compensation system. Taking these steps can help ensure that workers get the compensation they deserve.
What qualifies for a worker’s compensation claim?
In 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry reported receiving over 7,000 new workers' compensation claims. Nolo.com indicates four basic eligibility requirements for workers' compensation benefits or a valid claim.
- You must be an employee.
- You must have a work-related injury or illness.
- You must meet your state's deadlines for reporting the injury and filing a workers' comp claim.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
According to the National Safety Council, in 2019, the top causes of workplace injuries include:
- A bodily reaction to overexertion (such as when lifting objects or performing repetitive motions), which caused 31.0% of workplace injuries
- Falls, slips, and trips, which caused 27.5% of workplace injuries
- Contact with objects or equipment, which caused 25.8% of workplace injuries
- Transportation incidents, which caused 5.6% of workplace injuries
- Violence and other injuries caused by a person, or an animal generated 5.0% of workplace injuries.
- Being exposed to harmful environments or substances, which caused 4.2% of workplace injuries
No matter the cause of injury, workers have certain rights and can benefit from consulting workers comp lawyers. Experienced workers’ comp attorneys will understand workers’ rights, analyze the claim thoroughly, and ensure injured workers receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. By taking these steps, workers can ensure that their rights remain protected and help ensure that they receive the full workers' compensation they need to recover from a work-related injury or illness.
At Lepley Engelman, Law & Wilk, LLC, our experienced legal team provides personalized attention to every case we handle. We are committed to helping those injured at work get the workers' compensation they need and deserve. For whatever type of injury you sustain, it costs you nothing to discuss your case with us. Gary L. Black, Esq., our firm, has been handling workers' compensation cases for nearly 30 years. He is here to answer your telephone calls, and an initial telephone conversation or meeting with him is always free. He will offer honest advice about your next steps and help you understand your options. If you decide to pursue your claim with us, you will pay no fees until we win compensation for you.