Getting an injury or illness that prevents you from working can be scary. If your injury or illness is due to your job, you may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Not all jobs are covered under Workers’ Comp law, so consult with your employer to know what your rights are.
Here are some examples of workplace injuries that may be covered under Workers' Compensation. If you've been injured at work, contact ESR Law Group in Chicago.
#1: It is a cold, snowy day and you are parking in the lot at work ready to start your day. You get out of the car, start walking towards the door and “boom” you slip on ice and fall to the ground injuring yourself in the process. You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and you don’t have to be clocked in or have started work yet.
#2: You have an existing injury such as a back problem or shoulder injury. This has not bothered you for a long time and it starts acting up again due to the physical activity in your job. You are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if your job aggravates a pre-existing condition. As always, it needs to be reported to your employer.
#3: Repetitive motion such as carpal tunnel from assembly work is a valid workers’ compensation claim. For example, if you are experiencing such pain in your hands from doing the same thing day in and day out, you are entitled to receive treatment. Without medical assistance, this will only worsen over time and is the responsibility of your employer.
#4: If you have been a victim of workplace violence, that is a workers’ compensation claim. If a co-worker or any person injures you while on the job, that is eligible. This is especially a concern for security guards, health care workers, etc.
#5: You are driving the truck making deliveries or sent out driving for anything work related and you are involved in a car accident, your employer is responsible.
#6: Have you been asked to drastically increase your work hours or physical labor on the job? This can cause overexertion which is the straining of the body or putting too much pressure on yourself. This is most common in physical labor jobs when the time or intensity of your job increases quickly and you find yourself feeling the effects.
Do any of these sound familiar? Contact ESR Law Group for a free review of your workplace injury.
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