Workers’ compensation helps to protect professionals from the practical implications of an on-the-job injury. A professional hurt at work can file a claim for benefits that may replace a portion of their lost income and pay for their necessary treatment expenses. Employers receive indemnification through workers’ compensation, meaning that employees typically cannot sue over workplace injuries but must instead file a claim for benefits even when their employers are clearly at fault.
Can employees still qualify for benefits when they may have made a mistake that directly contributed to their injuries?
Fault rarely affects eligibility
Workers’ compensation coverage protects employees regardless of who is technically at fault for their injuries. Employees can file claims when their employers violate safety rules, when a co-worker causes an incident or when a piece of machinery manufactured by a third-party company fails.
Employees are also eligible for benefits in cases where they make mistakes on the job that contribute to their injuries. For example, if an employee drops a tool and lacerates their leg, their error is technically the underlying cause of their injury.
Thankfully, proof of fault generally does not affect a worker’s eligibility for benefits nor the amount of support they receive. There are rare exceptions in cases where there is evidence that employees hurt themselves intentionally or when they fail drug tests and there is proof that impairment caused the incident. Most of the time, personal fault has minimal impact on a workers’ compensation claim.
Understanding the coverage available and the rules that govern claims can make it easier for injured employees to get the treatment they require and return to work. Mistakes on the job do not often eliminate eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.