Workers’ Compensation Law – Do I Have a Case?
If you have been injured while on the job, you likely can be reimbursed under your employer’s workers’ compensation benefits. It is important that you familiarize yourself with some of the basics of workers’ compensation law before you move forward, to make sure you have a legitimate case.
Workers’ compensation benefits are awarded to those who have sustained injuries caused solely or partially by the their work, and in some cases to those whose work has aggravated a pre-existing condition.
Accidental injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, and are diverse, but they all happen unexpectedly without plan or design. Some examples are injuries caused by repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome caused by typing in non-ergonomically designed workspaces, or joint pain due to assembly work. Other injuries include those sustained due to a fall in an inadequately maintained work area, such as a greasy or wet floor. Strokes, heart attacks and asthma attacks are other potential medical problems that can be caused or aggravated by work conditions. If an employee injured while participating in recreational activities, such as parties or sports teams, and the employer mandated that they do so, they may be liable for workers’ compensation as well.
Employees can hope to recover medical care costs, including physical, mental or vocational rehabilitation expenses when applicable, as well as lost wages. Depending on the severity of their injury, they may file for short-term or long-term disability leave, in which case they will likely be paid two-thirds of their average weekly wages based on the year prior to the accident, on a weekly basis.
Each employer offers slightly different workers’ compensation benefits, but all are required by federal law to supply them. Speaking with an attorney can help you determine the validity of your case, as well as what you can hope to earn as a result of your claim.
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