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What Injuries Are Covered Under Workers' Comp?

Workers’ compensation provides essential protection for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses while performing their job duties. Understanding the types of injuries that qualify for coverage can help workers understand their rights and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.

At Andres Law Firm in Omaha, we believe informed employees are empowered employees. Never hesitate to contact our workers’ compensation attorney for help.

The fundamental requirement for workers’ compensation coverage is that the injury must be work-related. This means the injury occurred while you were performing duties within the scope of your employment. The injury doesn’t necessarily need to happen at your workplace, as it can occur at a job site, during work travel, or while running work-related errands. What matters is the connection between your work activities and the injury sustained.

Acute Injuries

The most common type of workers’ compensation claim involves acute injuries from sudden incidents that cause immediate harm. These include:

If you’re injured in a machinery accident, vehicle collision while driving for work, or any sudden traumatic event during work hours, you’re likely covered under workers’ compensation.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Not all workplace injuries happen in an instant. Repetitive stress injuries develop gradually over time due to repeated motions or sustained physical demands of your job. Carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from constant typing or assembly line work, tendonitis caused by repetitive movements, and back problems resulting from regular heavy lifting all qualify for workers’ compensation.

These injuries can be just as debilitating as acute injuries and are equally deserving of coverage. They can be more challenging to prove, so the help of an Omaha workers’ compensation lawyer can significantly benefit you.

Occupational Illnesses

Workers’ compensation also covers illnesses that develop as a result of exposure to workplace conditions or hazards. Respiratory conditions from inhaling dust, fumes, or chemicals, skin conditions from exposure to irritants, hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure, and illnesses caused by toxic substance exposure are all compensable. Even certain diseases like mesothelioma, which could develop years after asbestos exposure, may be covered if the exposure occurred during employment.

Always seek professional guidance from our workers’ compensation attorney to prove your illness was job-related.

Psychological Injuries

Mental health conditions can also qualify for workers’ compensation when workplace events or conditions directly contribute to their development. Post-traumatic stress disorder following a traumatic workplace incident, severe anxiety or depression resulting from workplace harassment or extreme stress, and psychological trauma from witnessing a serious workplace accident may all be covered. However, these claims can also be more challenging to establish.

Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions

Even if you have a pre-existing condition, workers’ compensation may cover injuries if your work aggravated or worsened that condition. For example, if you have a prior back injury that becomes significantly worse due to job duties, you may be entitled to benefits for the aggravation.

Consult Our Omaha Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Understand Your Rights

Almost any type of injury can be covered as long as it is work-related. Proving this requires proper documentation, timely reporting to your employer, and often medical evidence linking your condition to your work activities. Whether you’ve suffered a sudden injury or developed a condition over time, our workers’ compensation attorney is ready to build a strong claim.

If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation coverage, consulting with experienced professionals can help clarify your situation and protect your rights as an injured worker. Contact Andres Law Firm today online or call 402-491-4003 for a free consultation.