Am I Eligible for Workers' Comp Benefits?
Most employees are covered by workers' compensation because their employers are required to pay for insurance. However, in some states, only employers with a certain amount of employees must have workers' comp insurance. Also, most injuries that happen at work or because of work are covered under workers' comp, regardless of who was at fault. Work-related injuries can either be one-time events or illnesses that developed over time, such as repetitive stress injuries.
Some injuries that happen at work may or may not be covered by workers' compensation; these include injuries due to drug or alcohol use, injuries caused by fighting or self-infliction, injuries that happen while committing a crime, and psychiatric injuries.
Workers' Compensation Eligibility Basics
Workers' Compensation Eligibility Basics
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Are You Eligible for Workers' Compensation Benefits?
If you were hurt or became ill as a result of your work, you could be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
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What Injuries or Illnesses Are Not Covered By Workers' Comp?
While most work injuries are covered by workers' comp, there are a handful of exceptions.
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Workers' Compensation: Is Your Injury or Illness Work Related?
If you are seeking workers' compensation benefits, you’ll have to show that your injury or illness is work related—or, in workers’ comp legalese, “arising out of employment and occurring during the course of employment” (AOE/COE).
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Exemptions From Workers' Compensation Coverage
Nearly all businesses are required to carry workers’ comp insurance, but there are some exceptions.
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Injuries and Illnesses Covered by Workers' Compensation
Employees who are injured or become ill in connection with their work may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In order to be covered by workers’ comp, injuries don’t have to result from sudden accidents like falling off a ladder or losing a finger to equipment malfunction.
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Can I Get Workers' Comp If I'm Injured While Working From Home?
Working from home has become the new normal for millions of people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But what happens if you’re injured while working from home?
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Workers' Compensation: What Happens If I'm Late Reporting My Injury?
Most states have deadlines for giving your employer notice of a workplace injury, but there are exceptions.
Workers' Compensation for Different Workplace Injuries
Workers' Compensation for Different Workplace Injuries
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How to Get Workers' Compensation Benefits for a Slip-and-Fall Injury
Some workers’ comp claims for slip-and-fall-injuries are relatively straightforward, but many require a lengthy appeals process.
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Workers' Compensation Benefits for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Other Mental Health Issues
The law gives you the right to seek workers' comp for mental health issues in certain circumstances. But there are many hurdles to overcome in proving your claim.
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Can I Get Workers' Comp Benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
You should expect an uphill battle when filing for workers' comp based on PTSD, but first responders may have an easier time getting benefits in some states.
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Can I Get Workers' Comp If I'm Injured While Working From Home?
Working from home has become the new normal for millions of people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But what happens if you’re injured while working from home?
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Workers' Comp for Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement
If you have noticeable or painful scarring as a result of a workplace injury, you might wonder whether workers' comp benefits will cover this. Here's what you need to know.
Resources
Resources
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Let Nolo help you manage your California workers' compensation claim, from start to finish.