A day on the job can bring a number of unexpected circumstances. While this variety keeps your employment interesting, it can also result in illness or injury that can debilitate you from continuing your job duties. If you are an employee with workers’ compensation benefits who sustained an injury while performing a job duty or otherwise at work, you may be eligible for compensation. By agreeing not to take legal action against your employer for the incident, you can receive payments to help you cover your medical bills as well as make up for lost wages. This insurance program, required by the laws of most states, but not Texas, can play a crucial role in your ability to recover from such an incident. If you are preparing to file a claim, there are some things you should understand about how it works.
Does the Injury Have to Occur at Work?
Especially in today’s highly technological age, more and more workers are able to perform their job duties off site. Because of this fact, many are able to successfully receive benefits even if they aren’t on their employer’s property when they become ill or injured. The primary factor is that you were engaged in a job duty when it occurred. There are thousands of possible scenarios, but just a few examples include:
- You were involved in an accident while on your way to pick up the company vehicle from the shop.
- You slipped and broke your leg on your way to pick up supplies for a new marketing campaign.
- While filing some reports at home, you are injured as you were lifting a heavy file.
What if the Injury Was My Fault?
The great thing about workers’ compensation is that it is a no-fault program. This means that, as long as you were performing your job duties in good faith, you should have no trouble in receiving benefits. Therefore, even if you did something that directly contributed to your injury such as typing in a manner that resulted in the development of carpal tunnel, your receipt of benefits are not jeopardized. However, there are limits. For starters, employees who actively engage in risky behavior on the job such as horsing around may be open for investigation and eventual denial of benefits. You are also deemed ineligible if your employer is able to prove you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the accident took place.
Taking the Confusion Out of a Complicated Process
When it comes to getting injured on the job, there are so many unique circumstances that come into play. Therefore, it can take time and effort to finally receive the compensation you so desperately need during such a trying time. Especially if your case isn’t cut and dry, you owe it to yourself to present it to a skilled worker’s compensation lawyer. They can help you protect your rights and prove you deserve the compensation that will aid in your recovery.
Author information: Bill Brown is a professional writer, content marketer, social strategist & a part time consultant who frequently contributes to high authority sites. Bill can always be found sharing his knowledge and insights in various niches.
