{"id":353576,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/workers-compensation\/i-have-a-job-related-injury-what-are-my-employers-responsibilitie.html"},"modified":"2023-08-28T08:03:33","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T13:03:33","slug":"i-have-a-job-related-injury-what-are-my-employers-responsibilitie","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/i-have-a-job-related-injury-what-are-my-employers-responsibilitie.html","title":{"rendered":"Workers\u2019 Compensation Benefits: Who\u2019s Covered and Who\u2019s Not"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Workers\u2019 Compensation Benefits: Who\u2019s Covered and Who\u2019s Not<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Not all employees and situations qualify for workers\u2019 compensation benefits under state law. Some workers, such as independent contractors or seasonal laborers, may not be covered. Understanding your eligibility is key to securing the support you need after a work-related injury<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide medical benefits and disability benefits to injured workers. But not all employees, situations, and injuries qualify for workers’ comp benefits. Further, most\u2014but not all\u2014employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance by law.<\/p>\n

If you have sustained a job-related injury, your employer may be responsible for helping you with lost wages or other accommodations. Most employers are required by law\u00a0in each state to carry\u00a0workers’ compensation<\/a>\u00a0insurance.<\/p>\n

This pays a portion of an employee’s regular wages while recovering from a work-related injury or illness. The injured worker, or any such person,\u00a0has an entitlement to benefits or help from their employer. This can include help from service providers like doctors and nurses.<\/p>\n

Every state but Texas requires employers to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. However, these workers’ compensation laws do not cover some types of workers. Such a person might be an independent contractor or railroad worker<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is key that you understand your rights and your employer’s responsibilities when you suffer a work-related injury. From providing medical care to compensating for your disability and paying your medical bills, these responsibilities aim to protect employees’ public health and financial stability.<\/p>\n

However, each workers’ compensation case is unique. Depending on your state, employer, and job, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation protections.<\/p>\n

This article explains who is and who isn’t covered by workers’ compensation. You’ll also learn about employer responsibilities regarding work-related injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dealing with the legal aspects of a workplace injury can be overwhelming and frustrating. While you focus on your medical care and recovery, a workers’ comp attorney<\/a> can determine benefit eligibility and work to secure the assistance you need.<\/p>\n

Is Your Injury Work-Related?<\/h2>\n

First, you must confirm if your injury qualifies as work-related<\/a>. A work-related injury occurs while you are carrying out tasks related to your job or at your place of employment. This can also include occupational diseases resulting from your work environment.<\/p>\n

Once an injury is work-related, your employer is legally required to provide you with the necessary paperwork for a workers’ compensation case. They should also provide you with their insurance carrier’s telephone number for further inquiries.<\/p>\n

Additionally, your employer’s workers’ compensation policy may cover\u00a0job-related injuries<\/a>\u00a0even if you disregard workplace safety rules (such as “horseplay”). State\u00a0workers’ comp laws<\/a> and even some states’ courts are divided on this. You must understand your state’s laws for this section.<\/p>\n

Below are some other considerations when determining whether your injury is work-related, for purposes of workers’ compensation claims, or other actions:<\/p>\n