{"id":353604,"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\/workers-compensation-eligibility.html"},"modified":"2023-07-27T15:29:18","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T20:29:18","slug":"workers-compensation-eligibility","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-eligibility.html","title":{"rendered":"Factors That Determine Workers’ Compensation Eligibility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Factors That Determine Workers' Compensation Eligibility<\/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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Workers\u2019 compensation eligibility depends on your employment status and whether your injury is work-related. Most employees are covered, but independent contractors and certain exempt categories may not be. State laws also determine whether your employer must carry workers\u2019 comp insurance.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Those who sustain job-related injuries can usually claim\u00a0workers’ compensation benefits. Imagine a worker gets hurt at work or gets sick from doing their job over time. This injured worker can file a workers’ compensation claim. This means they ask for help to pay for things like their medical bills, medical care, or money they lost by being unable to work. The rules for this system are a part of workers’ compensation law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But you must be eligible for workers’ compensation to collect benefits. Eligibility is determined by your status as an employee. It is also dependent on whether the injury was work-related. Depending on state law, the size of your employer can also impact your eligibility.<\/p>\n

This article outlines the factors that determine workers’ compensation eligibility:<\/p>\n