How to Know if Your Injury or Illness Is Work-Related

Workers’ compensation benefits cover an employee’s illness or injury caused while performing their job at the workplace. Some cases are pretty straightforward and it is easy to determine whether the condition is work-related. If you working at a supermarket, and slip over a wet floor and fracture your arm, you will be entitled to receive benefits. If you work at an IT company and develop lower back pain because of uncomfortable chairs, you may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

However, there are some situations where determining whether the injury or illness is work-related can be tricky and difficult. For example, you are injured outside the premises of your workplace while doing your job. It is important to have a clear understanding of what is covered under “work-related” conditions to assess whether you are eligible for receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

Understanding Worked-Related Injury and Basic Requirements

According to the US Department of Labor, any condition that stems from an event or exposure at a workplace during the scope and course of the employment is considered as work-related injury or illness. The injury must be caused due to working conditions or workplace environment, and may result in a direct damage, or aggravate a pre-existing condition. There are three primary forms of a work-related injury: physical injury, mental condition, and occupational illnesses.

Physical Injuries

Physical injuries are the most commonly reported injuries that workers suffer at work. They may include injuries sustained while performing your duty, from other people’s actions, or any other general injury stemming from workplace conditions. Workers most commonly are injured on the neck, head, face, bones, tendons, muscles, hands, feet, ankles, wrists, shoulders, and lower back.

Mental Health Conditions

Workers’ compensation covers most mental health conditions. However, employees face difficulty in establishing that the condition is work-related. There are several situations that can give rise to mental health conditions, such as stress, fatigue, and depression, or witnessing a traumatic event. If you have suffered from any such situation and develop a mental health condition, you may be able to cover your medical and related expenses through workers’ compensation.

Occupational Disease

Occupational disease refers to illnesses that a worker contracts due to working conditions or performing your job. For example, if you are a nurse, there is a chance you may get infected by a blood borne disease from one of the patients. If you are a worker at a chemical factory, you may develop a disease directly attributable from the substances used at your workplace. Some common occupational diseases include skin irritation or eczema, mesothelioma, asthma, as well as many others.

If you have been injured at your workplace or working conditions has caused an occupational disease, you should file a claim for receiving workers’ compensation. However, some employers work with insurance companies to deny valid claims. If your claim has been denied, it is advisable to obtain the legal counsel of an attorney that will fight for the benefits you rightfully deserve. Contact Fisk & Monteleone LTD. today at 815-209-9030 to schedule a free case consultation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers.