Even though many workers are protected by the benefits afforded to them through workers’ compensation, there is always the understandable fear that they will suffer an injury that is not covered. People who have been told by their health insurance that prescription glasses are not covered, for example, may have reason to be skeptical about their protections. Most workers can rest assured that if they suffered an injury at work, then their workers’ compensation benefits will cover them.
Because workers’ compensation benefits apply to nearly every accident that occurs on the job, even unexpected accidents that are not directly related to the functions of your job will often be covered. For example, if you work in the second floor of a building with exterior stairs, and you slip and fall because hazardous weather conditions have iced the steps, you will likely be able to take advantage of workers’ compensation benefits.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury, you may be entitled to more or less compensation, but there are very few instances in which you will not be protected at all. Some workers may hesitate to bring up a claim because they suffered the injury in an accident that resulted from horseplay, but you will be surprised to learn that even instances of horseplay can sometimes qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits in New York. This article further explains the injuries that could be covered by workers’ comp benefits.
Because so much depends on properly establishing the circumstances and severity of your injury in a workers’ compensation claim, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Even if the insurance company makes you an offer, you will likely still benefit from consulting an attorney. You could be entitled to more compensation than you are offered.
