Frequently Asked Questions about Workers’ Comp

So long as the injury you sustain is work-related, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance should cover it. For example, if you were traveling for work and are injured while elsewhere, that still counts as a work-related injury and can be eligible for compensation

If you can fully return to work and receive the same wages you were earning before your injury, it is likely that your benefits will end. Workers’ comp benefits are designed to help workers recover from their injuries, so if you have fully recovered, those payments will have served their purpose. However, if you have returned to a limited work schedule, workers’ comp benefits should continue to supplement your income until you have fully recovered.

Most injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. So long as the employee was adhering to their company’s safety guidelines, they are most likely eligible for coverage. The exceptions are if the employee’s injury was due to drug or alcohol use. You will also not be covered for injuries that were self-inflicted, such as intentionally causing self-harm or initiating a fight.

No. In many cases, filing a lawsuit can prevent you from being able to collect benefits. By properly filing your claim, you will be able to begin the process legally. If for some reason your employer refuses to cooperate, retaining the services of an experienced workers’ comp attorney will be necessary.

Not usually. An employer’s workers’ comp policy includes a selection of doctors from a given network. Injured employees will be required to visit these doctors first and have their injuries assessed. As this assessment will be the basis for any future compensation, it is vitally important that the doctor give an accurate report, and that doesn’t always happen. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you fight for an accurate injury report if you feel yours was inadequate.