Common Conditions of Workers’ Compensation in Howard County
Work-related injuries and illnesses often have a tremendous impact on your life. Fortunately, you could recover monetary benefits through the Howard County workers’ compensation system for workplace injuries. However, your employer’s insurance company may prevent you from recovering the benefits you deserve.
Understanding the common conditions of workers’ compensation in Howard County could help put your own claim into perspective. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer could review your case and advise you if your claim might qualify for benefits.
Typical Conditions in a Workers’ Compensation Claim
There are countless ways to receive an injury at work. While many of these injuries involve trips or falls, others might relate to vehicle accidents or falling objects. These injuries could cost a worker a few days’ worth of work or they could impact their ability to maintain employment for the rest of their life. Common examples of conditions that qualify for compensation include:
- Broken arms
- Torn rotator cuffs
- Broken legs
- Internal bleeding
- Neck trauma, including paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Mental/psychological trauma
- Hernia
Workers’ compensation benefits cover more than just accidental injuries, too. In addition to on-the-job injuries, compensation benefits also apply to occupational diseases. An occupational disease is any health condition resulting over time from the inherent hazards of the employment. Qualifying occupational illnesses include:
- Blisters
- Mesothelioma
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Psittacosis
- Pulmonary failure from exposure to substances
- Poisoning
- Cancer
Compensable Injuries
While most employees in Howard County have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits, not all qualify. Despite the state adopting a “no-fault” system that does not consider liability, there are some injuries that are excluded from coverage.
To qualify for benefits, an employee must have suffered an injury or occupational disease in the course of their employment. This means that the employee was at their assigned workplace or otherwise performing the duties required of their position. Satisfying this qualification could differ among employees. While factory workers generally must suffer an injury at their place of work, truck drivers do not face the same restrictions. Whether a worker’s injuries arise in the course of their employment is a subjective standard that a Howard County workers’ compensation attorney could helpfully explain.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to this broad rule. It could be challenging to pinpoint the moment an occupational illness first occurs. Some illnesses occur due to long-term exposure to a dangerous chemical, while others stem from work-related stress. In some cases, compensation is available for a work-related illness even if the symptoms developed during non-working hours.
There are some injuries that are excepted from the claims process even though they appear to meet the requirements. If an injury does not arise out of an obligation or condition of employment, the insurance company could refuse to cover the injury even if it occurs at the workplace. An example could include injuries during horseplay while on the clock.
Discuss the Common Conditions of Workers’ Compensation in Howard County with an Attorney
On the surface, workers’ compensation claims seem simple. If you suffer an injury or illness related to your job, your employer’s insurance company should provide you with benefits while you recover. Unfortunately, the process is rarely straightforward.
When reviewing your claim for compensation, insurance companies look for every excuse available to deny your claim. Thankfully, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney could strongly advocate on your behalf. To discuss the common conditions of workers’ compensation in Howard County, call right away to schedule your free consultation.
