What Makes You Eligible for Workers’ Compensation

\"keys-icon-32x32\"What Makes You Eligible for Workers’ Compensation – Being unaware of certain laws can be the biggest mistake you make. This is because your lack of knowledge can result in you losing many of the benefits you deserved as an employee. Being a highly debated topic, many employees do not know if they are eligible for workers’ compensation or not. Here are some requirements that must be fulfilled to be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Employer must be Insured

The first criterion that makes you eligible for workers’ compensation is that the company or employer that you work for must have coverage for workers’ compensation. Although state laws differ, there are many things that determine whether your company or employer is responsible for getting coverage or not. This includes the nature of the business, the size of the company and the work being done by the employers. For instance, in some states, charities are allowed to opt out of this system while others are required to get appropriate coverage.

You Should Be an Employee

Your employment status is of utmost importance in order to avail workers’ compensation, if required. You need to be a permanent employee of a firm. For instance, independent contractors are not counted as employees, therefore; they are not entitled to the benefits of workers’ compensation. Independent contractors include freelancers or computer consultants. Similarly, volunteers are also not classified as employees but are sometimes offered coverage by responsible employers.

However, some employers intentionally categorize their employees under independent contractors. If you are in a similar situation, feel free to consult an expert attorney at Keys Law Offices regarding your dilemma to help you sort out this problem.

Illness or Injury Must Be Related To Work

The illness or injury that you suffer must be purely work related. In other words, if you were injured while you were involved in a task that was benefitting the company or the employer in any way, then that injury is work related.

For instance, if you suffer a back injury while moving heavy boxes at your employer’s warehouse; develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive typing at your workplace; or fall ill by being exposed to hazardous chemicals at your job; your illness and injuries are work related.

However, there are certain cases that may not make you eligible for workers’ compensation. For instance, if you get injured while commuting to or from work or suffer an injury during a company social event; these cases are not work related and are more debatable.

To know whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation or for more assistance regarding this matter, contact Rick Keys at Keys Law Offices.

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