What Injuries Fall Under Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation covers employees injured on the job, with very few exceptions. If you suffered an injury while at work, your necessary and reasonable medical expenses are very likely covered. Further, if the injury keeps you off the job for at least seven days, you are also entitled to disability benefits that address lost pay.
Having a better understanding of what is covered under workers’ compensation can help strengthen your claim. And having an experienced Cherry Hill workers’ compensation attorney at Matarazzo and Lubcher on your side is always in your best interest.
If You Were Injured at Work
If you suffered an injury in the course of doing your job, you are covered by workers’ compensation. This includes situations where you were off the job site but engaged in a work-related task. The only exceptions are injuries sustained as a result of horseplay or that are self-inflicted.
Physical Injuries
The most common kinds of injuries associated with workers’ compensation claims are physical injuries sustained in work-related accidents. Prime examples include all the following:
- Broken bones, including complex fractures
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries, including various levels of paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Limb loss and injuries that require amputation
- Soft tissue injuries
- Serious burns and cuts
- Injuries that lead to loss of vision
The more serious the injury, the more significant the related workers’ compensation settlement or award is likely to be.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries are also physical injuries, but they are the result of the work the employee performs rather than of a specific accident. These painful injuries are generally caused by engaging in repetitive motions in the course of doing one’s job. This can ultimately lead to prolonged strain on a specific body part and can result in a serious injury that is slow to heal and can be physically debilitating.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis are both common examples. To recover on related losses, however, you’ll need to prove that the effort you exerted on the job exceeded the effort called for by everyday life.
Work-Related Illnesses
Workers’ compensation also covers work-related illnesses. Occupational illnesses are conditions resulting from workplace factors. If the work environment is determined to be a significant contributing factor to the health condition and the condition results in a relevant loss of function, workers’ compensation may apply. Common examples of occupational illnesses include loss of hearing, certain cancers like mesothelioma, respiratory conditions, and skin diseases.
Turn to an Experienced Lawyer for the Help You Need
The knowledgeable Cherry Hill workers’ compensation attorneys at Matarazzo and Lubcher are poised to unleash the full force of our legal skill and insight in pursuit of the compensation you deserve. For more information on how we can help, contact us online or call 856-460-5805 for more information.