With a workers’ compensation cover, you expect that any injury at the workplace will be covered when it comes to medical bills and lost wages. But what if you partly contributed to the accident? Will the cover still apply?
Your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits cannot be ruled out just because you contributed to the accident. Here is more on what you need to know.
Fault is not a big part of a workers’ compensation claim
In return for not suing your employer for any damages, there is a blanket cover on accidents that occur at the workplace. As long as your injuries occurred while operating within your job activities, you are eligible for benefits.
However, there are instances when your claim can be denied, whether you were at fault or not. For example, if you were intoxicated at the time of the accident or your actions were international, you may not enjoy any benefits. Similarly, if you disregarded obvious safety measures provided by your employer, you may not be eligible either.
Your rights as a worker
It is advisable to analyze all aspects of your workplace accident. That way, you can know what to expect along the claims process. You may face some hurdles, and it is important to anticipate them. Your claim could be denied on the initial application for several reasons, leaving you with limited options.
Most importantly, it is important to be aware of your rights and safeguard them. For instance, your employer is not supposed to threaten or frustrate your efforts to file for workers’ compensation. Additionally, employers are not allowed to retaliate against employees who file for these benefits.
Even if you were at fault, it does not mean that you lose these rights, and you need to act fast.