Depending on how the injury occurred, there are certain restrictions to workers’ compensation coverage. With its comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a much-needed shield for workers against the financial perils of work-related accidents and illnesses.
However, while workers’ compensation coverage is a powerful tool, it’s not an all-encompassing safety net.
What Does Not Receive Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Certain situations and types of injuries still don’t fall within the scope of workers’ compensation benefits.
Intentional Self-Inflicted Injuries
There could be several reasons why individuals intentionally inflict injuries on themselves, such as mental health or financial problems. However, regardless of the reason, if an employee intentionally harms themselves, they won’t be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Employees also will not get workers’ compensation if they suffer an injury due to neglect. Furthermore, they will not get coverage if they suffer this injury due to personal grooming or self-medication for a non-work-related condition or voluntary participation in a wellness program or recreational activity.
Injuries Due to a Pre-Existing condition
While employees with pre-existing conditions may be eligible for coverage if their work aggravates their health condition, the rules can vary by state and by case.
If an employee has a mental illness, they will not receive consideration for a work-related condition unless they provide their employer with an opinion from a qualified healthcare professional stating that the illness is work-related.
Employers may require employees to undergo medical evaluations or provide medical records to determine how much work-related factors have worsened a pre-existing condition.
Injuries While Communicating To or From Work
Generally, workers injured while driving, walking, biking, or using public transportation to get to work are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
But, if the employee’s job responsibilities involve frequent traveling, any injuries sustained while journeying on behalf of their employer may be eligible for coverage.
Injuries Resulting from Personal Tasks
Workers’ compensation does not cover injuries or illnesses arising from an employee performing personal tasks unrelated to their job duties at the workplace.
Minor Illnesses or Injuries
Injuries like minor bruises, common colds, and scrapes that employees can treat with basic first aid may not qualify for workers’ compensation coverage.
However, it’s essential to report any workplace injury, no matter how minor, to ensure proper documentation if the injury worsens or leads to unforeseen complications.
About Insure My Work Comp
Insure My Work Comp provides you with workers’; compensation insurance quotes from top-rated insurance companies. They also help small business owners with a quick and easy way to find affordable workers’; compensation coverage. With Insure My Work Comp, you can also get group disability insurance along with your employee benefit package.