Workers' Compensation Benefits FAQ

Questions:

• What is workers' compensation?
• Does workers' compensation cover just my medical bills?
• Are all on-the-job injuries covered by workers' compensation?
• Does workers' compensation cover only injuries or does it also cover long-term problems and illnesses?
• Do I have to be injured at my workplace to be covered by workers' compensation?
• Are all employees covered by workers' compensation?
• Can I be treated by my own doctor and, if not, can I trust a doctor provided by my employer?
• Can I ever sue my employer in court over a work-related injury?

Answer:

Are all on-the-job injuries covered by workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation, also known as workmans' comp, covers most, but not all, on-the-job injuries. The workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers, even if an injury is caused by the employer's or employee's carelessness. But there are some limits. Generally, injuries that happen because an employee is intoxicated or using illegal drugs are not covered by workers' compensation. Coverage may also be denied in situations involving:

• self-inflicted injuries (including those caused by a person who starts a fight)
• injuries suffered while a worker was committing a serious crime
• injuries suffered while an employee was not on the job, and
• injuries suffered when an employee's conduct violated company policy.