If you were injured while working for your employer, you might be wondering if workers compensation will pay you benefits. The answer depends on a number of variables. Ideally, it may be best to consult a workers compensation lawyer Milwaukee, WI, residents recommend who can offer guidance as to your legal options. However, the following information may be enough to answer most of your questions.\
First Aid Treatment
As a general rule of thumb, if a basic first aid kit is enough to treat your injury, you will not have grounds to file a workers compensation claim. Minor injuries, headaches, temporary nausea usually resolve themselves within a short time with no long lasting effects. Unless they are indicators or symptoms of something more serious, workers compensation will probably not be a solution. However, if you experience these symptoms frequently, or on a regular basis, see a doctor.
Injuries Off-Site
Even if you were injured outside your office or off site of your company’s property, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. Certain criteria must be met for your claim to be approved. For example:
- You were performing a task associated with your job. For example, you were driving to a meeting with clients when you were involved in a car accident that resulted in a serious injury. (Commuting to your workplace does not qualify for benefits if you are involved in an accident.)
- The injury must be serious enough to require professional medical care, assessment, or treatment.
Alcohol and Drug Use
If you are injured at work as a direct result of having consumed alcohol or drugs, you will probably not qualify for workers compensation benefits. Similarly, if you were to act intentionally negligently and are injured as a result, your workers compensation claim will likely be denied. For example, if you were dancing on your desk and fell, which resulted in a broken leg, you’ll probably have to pay for your medical costs out of pocket or through your personal health insurance policy. If you were unable to work during your recovery time, you might have to take vacation days because workers compensation benefits would not apply.
Cumulative Injuries
Some workplace injuries are not cut and dry in terms of determining when you were injured. A common example of this is carpal tunnel syndrome. Another example is a respiratory disease from exposure to toxic chemicals or substances such as asbestos. If you suspect you are suffering from any of these conditions or injuries, it’s important to see a qualified medical professional as soon as possible. If you receive a positive diagnosis, you will then need to notify your employer immediately.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Hickey & Turim SC for their insight into workers compensation.