Workers’ compensation benefits limit the risk associated with employment. Direct-hire employees who get hurt in an incident at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation can also help cover costs related to job-acquired medical conditions, including cancer or repetitive strain injuries. Workers’ compensation limits worker vulnerability. It also helps protect employers by indemnifying them from liability for employee injuries.
Workers hurt due to unsafe work conditions or a mistake by a coworker may feel confident about seeking benefits. Those who may have hurt themselves may feel unsure about their rights. Can workers still request benefits if there is documentation showing that they may have been at fault for the incident that left them injured?
Workers’ compensation provides no-fault coverage
If fault limited workers’ compensation eligibility, the claims process would likely be very contentious. Workers in high-risk professions would need to be perfectly compliant with all safety practices while on the clock to protect their rights. Thankfully, workers’ compensation benefits are available regardless of fault. Both Missouri workers’ compensation and Kansas workers’ compensation provide no-fault coverage.
So long as there’s clear proof that employment responsibilities caused an injury or illness, the worker can potentially request benefits to cover their medical care and their lost wages. Even if a worker mishandled a tool, made a timing error or otherwise caused their injury through a mistake on the job, they may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
However, there are limits to the leniency of no-fault benefits. If employers can show that workers hurt themselves on purpose, that could affect their eligibility for workers’ compensation coverage. Intoxication on the job can also impact benefit eligibility. If an injured worker fails a drug or alcohol test, their claims might be at risk. Provided that their employer can show that impairment was the underlying cause of their injury, they may not be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Most employees hurt at work, even due to their own mistakes, can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, they may need help appealing a denied claim or optimizing their benefits. Learning about the basic rules that govern workers’ compensation claims and eligibility can help those coping with job-related medical challenges. Workers’ compensation benefits are available for a broad range of different employment-related medical issues.