Like many other Ohio workers, you probably understand that there are certain benefits available to you in the event that you suffer an injury in the workplace. Workers’ compensation insurance is to support individuals who suffer injuries at work or who become ill as a result of their jobs. However, there are times when certain work injuries are not actually compensable.
How can you know if your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance will cover you? How do you know if you have valid grounds for a claim? It is in your interests to understand how the claims process works and what you can do in case you ever need to file a claim. When you understand your rights, you can better protect yourself in the event you suffer an injury at your workplace.
What’s covered, and what’s not?
Just because an incident takes place on company property does not necessarily mean you will be able to claim workers’ compensation benefits. There are times when the insurance company could deny your claim. You may have grounds to file a claim in the following circumstances:
- You were hurt at a company function, such as a company picnic, a holiday party or other event.
- You were in a car accident while driving for work or in a work vehicle.
- You suffered injuries in an accident that occurred while you were in the commission of your job duties.
- Your job caused a preexisting medical condition that you had to worsen.
There are certain circumstances in which you may not have coverage. For example, if you suffered an injury while on your lunch break, it may not be an actual work injury. It is worthwhile for any workers to seek a legal opinion about their situation, along with whether they should be able to claim financial benefits through their employer’s insurance coverage.
Help with your claim
Even with a valid work injury and clear reason to pursue benefits, it is not always easy to get what you need from your workers’ compensation claim. You have the right to fight to maximize your claim or appeal a denied claim. This can be a complex process, but you do not have to walk through it alone. You may find it beneficial to speak with a legal advocate regarding your claim, determine whether you should move forward and discover how you can deal with setbacks during the process.