After a workplace accident, injured workers rely on workers’ compensation for financial and medical help. Many workers who think they caused the accident often wonder if they can still get these benefits. What should you know about fault in a workers’ comp claim?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system.
One of the fundamental principles of workers’ compensation is that it operates on a no-fault basis. This means that workers do not have to prove that their employer was responsible for their injury or illness to receive benefits. The system aims to protect and support workers if they get hurt at work, no matter who caused the accident. It simplifies the process of getting support for injured workers. Instead of going through a long court battle to prove fault, the no-fault system quickly provides the medical care and financial help workers need.
Because it is a no-fault system, workers usually can’t sue their employers for more damages like they might in a personal injury lawsuit. Getting workers’ compensation benefits generally stops them from taking further legal action against their employer for the same injury.
There are exceptions when a worker’s actions might make them ineligible for benefits.
However, there are some exceptions when a worker’s actions might make them ineligible for benefits. For instance, if a worker gets hurt because they started a fight at work, the employee’s misconduct could leave them ineligible for benefits. Also, if a worker’s drug or alcohol use caused the accident, they might not get benefits.
You have rights after a workplace accident. Knowing the situations in which fault matters in a workers’ compensation claim can help you protect those rights and get the benefits you need.
