Employers are typically required to have workers' compensation insurance. This coverage compensates workers for lost wages if they are injured in a work-related accident.
Many workers are surprised to learn that their employers can dispute the validity of their workers' comp claims. In some cases, the dispute ends in the employer's favor because the worker did not have a valid claim.
What Types of Injures are Covered Under Workers' Compensation?
Broadly speaking, injuries that are connected to employment requirements and/or conditions are covered under workers' compensation.
A restaurant server who develops lung cancer because of exposure to second-hand smoke in the restaurant would likely be covered under workers' comp. The same would apply to a receptionist who develops carpal tunnel syndrome due to extensive hours of computer work.
Most injuries that occur in the workplace are covered by workers' comp, but employees may also be eligible if an injury occurs while using a company vehicle or outside the workplace if the activity was directly related to the job.