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Are You Covered? Explore These Workers' Compensation Situations For Coverage

When a workplace injury has you concerned about money and health benefits, it pays to know whether or not the injury might be covered using workers' compensation insurance. If you are hurt, you must follow procedures, but sometimes that may not be enough. Read on to find out more about some tricky workers' comp injury situations where you may not be covered.

Follow the Procedures

When you get injured at work, you must take the correct actions. Even if it later turns out that your claim is denied, you are passing up the opportunity to be covered if you fail to act. Take the following steps as soon as you are injured, become ill, or suspect an injury was caused by work:

1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and keep good records of all visits, treatments, diagnostic tests, and medications.

2. Inform your direct supervisor at your earliest convenience.

3. Ensure that a claim form is filed with your employer's workers' compensation insurance.

If Your Claim is Approved

You can expect to have all related medical expenses covered as long as it is ordered by your doctor. Additionally, you will be paid a partial disability wage as long as you are unable to return to your job. If your injury turns out to be permanent, you may be entitled to a lump sum settlement and other benefits.

Your Injury May Not be Covered at First

The following situations may require you to seek the help of a workers' comp attorney. Your ability to gain benefits might be challenged or you may face additional hurdles before your claim is approved. In some cases, some of the below situations will mean you are not covered but you should not let that stop you from trying.

1. Social and recreational settings – If the event is company-sponsored and employees are expected to attend, any injuries will be covered. If it's a casual get-together for drinks at the bar down the street, not so much.

2. Domestic workers – If you do work in someone's home, you might not be covered. This includes maids, babysitters, nannies, and others.

3. Undocumented workers – This category of workers is covered in some situations but not in every state.

4. When rules are disregarded – If you broke a company rule or violated company policy, you may still be covered depending on the exact circumstances.

5. If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even if the drugs were legally-prescribed to you, you will probably not be covered for any accidents that occur.

Contact a local law firm to learn more.


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