Eligibility for Workers' Compensation

When Can You File a Claim for Workers' Compensation?

You can file a claim for workers compensation benefits as soon as you become injured on the job or develop an illness that is related to your work.

What Injuries Aren't Covered by Workers' Comp?

State law governs workers’ compensation systems, and thus what injuries are covered by workers’ compensation differs from state to state.

What Jobs Aren't Covered by Workers' Compensation?

Certain types of workers and jobs aren't covered by workers’ compensation laws. The main categories of workers that are not covered by traditional workers’ compensation are business owners, volunteers, independent contractors, federal employees, railroad employees, and longshoremen.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Workers' Comp Claims

If you've been injured at work or in the course of your employment, having a pre-existing illness or injury can complicate your workers' comp claim. A condition that pre-dates your industrial injury may have an impact on the workers' comp benefits you receive.

Workers' Compensation: Are Mental or Psychological Conditions Covered?

You must be able to prove that your work was the predominant cause of your psychiatric trouble.

Is an Independent Contractor Covered by Workers' Comp?

Independent contractors are not eligible for workers' compensation coverage, and employers are not required by state law to purchase coverage for independent contractors.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Workers' Comp Claims?

Yes, workers' compensation laws require an employee (or his or her family) to file a claim for workers' comp benefits within a certain amount of time.

Federal Workers' Compensation: Injury Compensation for Federal Employees

Most federal employees with work-related injuries or illnesses may receive workers’ compensation benefits through the Federal Employees Compensation Act, instead of through state workers' compensation systems.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Workers' Comp

Find out how workers compensation works for PTSD's and if a lawyer may be required to file a claim for benefits.

Am I Entitled to Workers' Compensation Benefits?

To qualify for workers' compensation benefits, you must be an employee of a company with workers’ comp insurance and you must have been injured at work or as a result of job-related duties.