When an employee gets hurt on the job, their employer might be at fault. Failing to offer adequate training, forcing workers to violate safety standards or delaying machinery maintenance are all examples of scenarios in which employer decisions or actions can directly contribute to on-the-job injuries.
Other times, workers may end up hurt due to a mistake they make while on the clock. In cases where the employee was to blame for their injury, are they still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits?
Fault rarely affects eligibility
The workers’ compensation program in Connecticut provides no-fault coverage for on-the-job injuries and medical conditions caused by employment. There is no burden of proof on employees to establish that their employers are somehow to blame for their injuries.
Additionally, even if there is evidence that they may have caused the incident that left them hurt, they may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If a worker makes a timing mistake or drops a tool and lacerates their arm, they are still typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers who break the law or violate employment policies in an egregious manner may compromise their eligibility for workers’ compensation coverage. Employees who get hurt because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job may also be ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, if employers can show that workers hurt themselves on purpose, that could also affect their eligibility for benefits.
Reviewing what caused a work-related medical condition with a skilled legal team can help employees understand their rights and avoid claim controversy. Those facing denied claims and other complications often need the support of a workers’ compensation attorney to obtain the benefits they need to pay for their care and replace their lost wages, and that’s okay.
