Sometimes we truly are our own worst enemy. If we end up being the master of our own demise on the jobsite, are we still eligible for compensation, or are we out of luck because we hold the fault? In today’s blog, we explain whether or not you are eligible for injury compensation in the event that you caused your own work injury.
I Caused My Own Work Injuries – Am I Out Of Luck?
Thousands of workers cause their own injuries every year. If you leaned too far off your ladder or you tripped over those boxes you set down, you really have nobody to blame but yourself for your injuries. If not for your actions, you would not be injured. Does this mean you’re out of luck when it comes to trying to collect compensation?
Fortunately, you can take solace in knowing that you are completely covered in almost all situations if it turns out that you caused your own work injury. It doesn’t matter who “caused” your injuries – as long as you were injured during the course of your work duties, you are covered by workers’ compensation protections.
Your employer may incorrectly tell you otherwise, but know that this isn’t true. They may simply be misinformed about the laws or they may be trying to get you to avoid filing a claim, but know that you are protected. Any workers’ compensation lawyer would be able to help you get compensation in the wake of these types of work injuries.
We did mention that you are covered in almost all situations, so what type of injury would render you ineligible for compensation? The only way you would be ineligible for workers’ compensation would be if your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance provider can prove that you intentionally caused your own injuries.
Intentionally causing your own injuries in order to collect workers’ compensation is considered fraud, meaning not only could your claim be denied, you could face additional sanctions and even jail time. If a camera caught you putting water on the floor and faking a slip and fall injury, you’re not going to enjoy trying to collect compensation. We’ve seen cases of fraud before, and it’s never a pleasant situation for either side. We can’t recommend this enough – don’t try to cause your own injuries so that you can collect compensation. Workers’ compensation won’t pay you your full salary while you’re recovering either, so it’s not like you’ll be able to keep collecting a full paycheck while you recover from your intentional injuries, and you could face criminal sanctions, so it’s really not an avenue worth considering.
Aside from intentionally causing your injuries, odds are you are well within your rights to collect injury compensation. Inform your employer of your injuries and consider connecting with an injury lawyer if you hope to maximize your claim award. We understand that you might be embarrassed, but you owe it to yourself and your family to collect the compensation you deserve after an on-the-job accident. We can help you get that compensation in the event you need to file a claim.
For more information about these types of work injuries or an accident that was not your fault, pick up the phone and call the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
