If a worker is injured or contracts an illness as a direct result of their job, they may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. This insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, disability and pain and suffering.
However, some workers miss out on these benefits because of misinformation. Here are four common myths about workers’ compensation:
You should be at the place of employment when injured
Some employees ignore filing a workers’ compensation claim when an injury happens outside their workplace. Workers should be compensated when injured while in the line of duty, be it in the office or when traveling for work.
You should be working
Employers are required to compensate employees injured when working. But this does not mean you should overlook injuries sustained during breaks. According to Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Law, workers’ compensation covers workers who suffer an injury or disease arising out of and in the course and scope of their employment.
The circumstances of your injury may meet this criterion despite it happening during a break. With legal guidance, you can assess the merits of your case.
Workers’ compensation is the only option
Workers’ compensation is not the only solution when you are injured at work. If your employer’s insurer offers an unfair payout or declines your claim, you can consider other options.
Your employer can retaliate against you for filing a claim
Cases of workers being treated unfairly after filing a workers’ compensation claim have been reported. But this should not prevent you from protecting your rights. Retaliation is unlawful. Thus, your employer may not fire or demote you. And if they do, you have legal options.
If you are injured or become ill due to job-related activities, get legal guidance to obtain the right information.
