Are You Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

If you are sick or injured because of work-related activities, you may be wondering if you can receive workers’ compensation benefits while you recover. Each case is different, but if you required medical attention because of something that happened while you were on the job, it may be in your best interest to look into your legal options. You may be entitled to benefits to help you recover financially as you heal physically.

First, you must determine if you are a covered employee. If you regularly receive wages from the same employer, you should be covered by that employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. However, not all workers are classified as employees. Independent contractors and volunteers ARE NOT covered. In many businesses, partners and owners are not covered employees either.

If you are not a contractor, volunteer or owner, you should be covered by your employer’s policy. Next, you may have to prove that your injuries are covered. You can file a claim if you are injured while on the job or while performing work-related activities that are within the course and scope of your job description. Injuries suffered while commuting to work will not count, but those suffered while traveling for your employer should qualify.

Not all injuries are covered. You must prove that you actually suffered harm and required medical attention beyond first aid. Physical injuries that required medical attention and forced you to miss work should qualify. You may be able to receive support for occupational diseases or from psychiatric conditions related to work as well. It is certainly possible to suffer a traumatic workplace injury or to suffer emotionally in addition to a physical injury. As long as you can prove that your condition began primarily due to your workplace activities, you should be able to receive benefits.

If you believe you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, report your injury, illness or condition to your employer. Seek out medical attention from an employer-approved doctor. Your employer should then provide you with the forms necessary to begin the application process. If you are denied benefits or have suffered a serious injury, please contact an experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer to learn more about your options. Contact the Kenton Koszdin Law Office today at (800) 438-7734 for a consultation.