If you are employed, it’s important to know what qualifies as a workers’ compensation injury and the benefits you have in the situation that an injury occurs. A lot of people are unaware that employers are required to have insurance for such situations and do not take advantage of it.
Let’s go over what exactly workers’ compensation is, and the type of injuries that fall under its umbrella.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Places of employment are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. When an employee gets injured, they are supposed to let the employer know immediately and see a doctor to assess the injury and file a claim with the insurance. Workers’ compensation benefits pays for lost wages and medical expenses that occur when an employee gets injured on the job. Also, as an injured worker, you are entitled to periodic review of your benefits and eligibility, vocational rehabilitation, protection from personal liability litigation, death benefits for your family, and more.
Almost 3 million work-related injuries and illnesses happen annually. Many qualify for compensation through workers’ compensation benefits. Both state and federal compensation laws and programs ensure workers progress medically as they should, get medical bills paid, and have treatment completed as their doctors and other health care providers order.
At Core Medical Center, our highly trained team helps both workers and employers navigate the workers’ compensation process–from documenting the initial workers’ compensation injury to filing a claim for benefits and ensuring laws are followed within the prescribed time frame.
What Injuries Qualify For Workers’ Compensation?
The protocols are outlined by both the state of Missouri and the United States government. As the employee, it is your responsibility to contact your employer immediately after sustaining an injury or getting a diagnosis of an acute or chronic condition that may be related to your work duties or environment.
Injuries that qualify for workers’ compensation benefits are called compensable. The injury must:
- Have happened to you as an employee of the company (that is, you are not an independent contractor or vendor)
- Have occurred as you were fully employed
- Have caused some kind of impairment or disability related to your job duties (you are a fork lift operator and have a shoulder injury which requires immobilization)
An injury can come from:
- A fall
- An explosion
- Blunt force trauma
- Loud noise (long-term exposure or single-event)
- Inhalation of a chemical (asbestos as an example)
- Repetitive motion
The resulting medical conditions vary widely and can include:
- Lacerations
- Muscle strains
- Sprains
- Burns
- Fractures
- Herniations in the abdomen
- Sun stroke
- Hearing and vision loss
- Traumatic amputation of a limb
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spider and insect bites
- Communicable diseases
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Herniated intervertebral discs
What Injuries Do Not Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
While regulations and their interpretation can vary, workers’ compensation programs on the state and federal level generally do not cover:
- Self-harm injuries
- Injuries sustained while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Injuries sustained while fighting or engaging in horseplay
- Injuries that occur when the employee is not following company policies and safety rules
Your Workers’ Compensation Injury in Blue Springs, MO
At Core Medical Center, our team of workers’ compensation experts serve employees in the Kansas City metro area. From evaluation, treatment planning, and medical care to ensuring your claim is completed, filed, and followed up on accurately, we do it all. We can help you get the compensation and benefits you are entitled to.
If you have additional questions or concerns about a compensable injury and benefits, contact us in Blue Springs at (816) 427-0201 . Your health and well-being are our highest priority.
