If you are hurt at work, you may have the option to make a workers’ compensation claim. A workers’ compensation claim may qualify you for wage and medical benefits. You could have a better opportunity to recover from your injuries and find employment once more.
Many injured employees do not, however, request workers’ compensation. This sometimes occurs when workers are unaware of their legal obligations or have been advised that workers’ compensation may not benefit them. Without receiving the necessary care, a lot of people suffer permanent disabilities and lose their jobs and means of support.
It may help to learn how some workers’ compensation facts are inaccurate in order to avoid forgetting your benefits. What you may need to know is this:
Myth 1: If you were driving, workers’ compensation doesn’t apply
For many people who drive to or from work, workers’ compensation may not be available if they’re injured in a motor vehicle accident. Only injuries sustained while working are covered under workers’ compensation. However, you might be eligible to claim workers’ comp benefits if driving is part of your job description or if you were driving a work vehicle when you were hurt. For example, salespeople who make home visits or home inspectors who only check in at the main office are “on the job” when they’re traveling.
Myth 2: If your injuries were your fault, workers’ compensation won’t cover them
Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. In other words, you are still entitled to benefits regardless of whether you, a coworker, or your company caused your injuries. However, if you intentionally caused your injuries for some reason, you won’t be qualified for benefits.
It is easy to be misinformed about your workers’ comp benefits, especially if you’ve been misinformed of your legal rights by someone who would face a loss from a claim, such as our employer. Knowing your legal choices before submitting a workers’ compensation claim may help you.