Can a mistake at work interfere with workers’ comp benefits?

Many workers are only a small mistake away from a grievous injury. Construction workers might only need to step in the wrong location to experience a fall from a significant elevation. Factory workers might make tiny timing mistake that results in amputation or broken bones. Professionals who drive might become distracted or make other mistakes when operating a vehicle, only to end up seriously hurt in a crash on the job.

Many workers aren’t sure of what to do when they unintentionally hurt themselves at work. Particularly when a professional has maintained the same career for years, they may feel a profound sense of embarrassment over causing their own injury. They may also believe that they are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits because of their fault for the incident.

Do employees lose their eligibility for benefits when they are at fault for an incident that leads to them getting hurt at work?

Workers’ compensation coverage isn’t usually fault-based

Injured employees might struggle to obtain basic compensation if they had to prove that their employer was somehow to blame for their injury at work. The possibility of having uncovered injuries could also deter workers from accepting dangerous jobs like window washing or nursing work.

Thankfully, proof of fault is not needed for a claim, and proof that a worker was at fault does not typically prevent a worker from getting benefits. Workers’ compensation provides support for all kinds of injuries and illnesses on a no-fault basis.

A worker does not need to prove that the company contributed to their injuries, and they are not at risk of losing their benefits eligibility if their employer can show that they were to blame for the incident. While there are exceptions for unusual circumstances, most workers’ compensation claims never even require a discussion of fault for the incident.

That being said, if employers believe a worker is to blame, they may sometimes dispute a benefits claim. There can be challenges ahead as the worker pursues the medical coverage and disability benefits that they require for their recovery.

Those facing a complex workers’ compensation claim may need help from a professional familiar with workers’ compensation law and negotiation procedures. Securing assistance can improve a worker’s chances of getting benefits and of maximizing the support they receive after an on-the-job injury.