If you are injured or become ill as a result of your occupation, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Injuries or illnesses that arise out of your employment or occur while you are at work may qualify for benefits. So what injuries and illnesses are covered by California’s workers’ compensation laws?
Injuries and Illnesses Covered by Workers’ Compensation
- Physical Injuries: Includes physical injuries that occur as a result of your occupation. Examples include falling off of a ladder while roofing, getting cut on machinery or equipment or suffering a head injury due to a falling item.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: If you repeat the same activities consistently, your body is subject to repetitive motion injuries. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic pain.
- Occupational Illnesses: Includes illnesses resulting from short- and long-term exposure to substances, irritants or allergens on the job. Examples include a sandblaster who develops silicosis, a construction worker who develops asbestosis or a healthcare worker who contracts HIV from exposure to blood.
- Stress Injuries: Increasingly, mental health conditions are covered by workers’ compensation. The laws vary in every state. In California, you must be able to prove that your occupation is at least 50% responsible for your mental injuries.
Of course, within each of these categories are numerous possible injuries or illnesses. If you have questions about a specific injury or illness, your best option is to contact a workers’ compensation attorney. At The Law Offices of Dennis R. Fusi & Associates, we can review your situation and determine the best options for recovery. We will advise you of your legal rights as an employee and will determine what sort of workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
