If you’ve been injured in the workplace, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. However, there are situations in which employees may not be entitled to compensation. To determine if you are eligible, contact an experienced workers’ comp attorney for representation and assistance.
Our team at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. is here to help. We’re available to answer your questions, develop your case, and fight with your best interests in mind – while you focus solely on your health and well-being.
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses necessary to diagnose and treat your injury. It may also cover disability payments if you find yourself unable to work for a period of time. This compensation can make an injury less damaging to your finances and your career.
However, compensation can be difficult to obtain under the wrong circumstances. An employee may be entitled to compensation if:
#1: The Employee Was Intoxicated
If an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, compensation is not justifiable for obvious reasons. An employer may seek a drug test to prove intoxication following a Florida work injury.
#2: The Injury Was Self-Inflicted
A self-inflicted injury can be intentional or unintentional. Even if you didn’t intend to harm yourself, the accident may be deemed your fault. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help determine if you are responsible for your injury.
Self-inflicted injuries often include broken bones or fractures, internal injuries, head injuries, cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Keep in mind that your injury is not eligible for workers’ compensation if the contents of a standard first-aid kit are enough to treat it.
#3: The Employee Committed a Crime
If an employee committed a serious crime in the process of incurring an injury, that employee is not eligible for compensation. A lawyer can help determine whether the crime in question is considered “serious” in the eyes of the law.
#4: The Employee Wasn’t On-The-Job
While workers’ compensation will cover injuries incurred while traveling on business, doing a work-related errand, or attending a business-related social function, it will not cover work completed while you weren’t on-the-job. If you weren’t clocked in, at your job site, or doing something work related, you may not be eligible for compensation. This includes injuries suffered during your commute.
#5: The Employee Violated Company Policy
Companies may create complex policies to protect themselves from overpaying in workers’ compensation. If an employee was injured while violating policy (no matter how trivial), no compensation is required. For this reason, you should read all company policies closely before starting work.
Contact a Florida Work Injury Attorney for Representation
If you or a loved one has suffered a Florida work injury, contact an experienced workers’ comp attorney at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. by calling 561-687-5660. Our team will dedicate itself to fighting for the compensation you deserve.