Getting What Is Rightfully Yours

Workers Compensation Claims: 4 Things You Didn't Know Were Covered

10 September 2015 by Penny Fisher

Workers compensation is somewhat like insurance for work. If you are injured while on the job, you may be eligible to receive compensation for lost work and medical bills. While most people think of physical injuries, such as slipping a disc in the back, it covers a wide range of conditions. Here are four things you probably didn't know workers compensation covered:

1. Worsening of Preexisting Conditions

Believe it or not, workers compensation actually covers those whose preexisting conditions worsen due to work. For example, if you have a bad back and you work construction and you suffer from an injury that makes your condition worse, you are eligible to receive workers compensation benefits. To put it into simpler terms, you can receive benefits even if the initial injury wasn't caused by your current job—as long as your job made the injury worse.

2. Hearing Loss

People usually don't think of workers compensation for small injuries or illnesses, but they are usually covered. Years of working for a company that operates in a noisy manner, such as a factory or construction site, can cause hearing loss. Even if it is minor hearing loss, you may still be eligible for benefits. These benefits may pay you directly or pay for the cost of your hearing device, depending on your situation.

3. Mental Disorders

Not all workers compensation claims need to be physical. You can also receive compensation for conditions that manifest themselves mentally. For example, if you witnessed someone die at work, you might be eligible for benefits due to severe stress, anxiety, or post traumatic stress disorder. While this type of claim is more common in specific jobs, such as police officers, anyone can receive them if they have proof.

You can also receive benefits for a wide range of mental disorders, including depression. However, proving a mental disorder or illness is difficult, so it is wise to get the help of a professional workers compensation lawyer.

4. Diseases and Chronic Illnesses

Finally, you can also receive benefits if your job caused you to develop a disease or chronic (long-term) illness. These types of claims are more common in those who work with dangerous chemicals and materials, such as coal miners with black lung. It is also more common in those who worked construction several years ago and were exposed to asbestos. However, anyone can develop a disease or illness and receive compensation as long as the it is directly related to the job. For example, a housekeeper exposed to years of chemicals from cleaning might develop COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and be eligible.

For more information, contact The Law Offices of Gregg Durlofsky or a similar firm.

Share