Did you get injured during your break? Do you have any questions about whether or not you’re covered?
If you’ve never had to worry about paying medical bills, you might not realize just how expensive healthcare is. And if you find yourself needing healthcare services, you may wonder if you will be able to afford them.
One common misconception about people who have experienced a work injury is that they have to physically do their job when injured to be covered under workers’ comp.
Although most cases involving workers’ compensation injuries happen when you are clocked in, at the job site, and doing your work, that isn’t always the case. No one can control when and where an accident will take place. The Workers’ Compensation Act understands that and offers some additional protections.
These cases can be very fact-specific, but the most common times you can be covered are before clocking in, during breaks at work, and at lunch. There are many other circumstances when you may be covered. Still, a lot depends on the location of the accident, the timing of the accident, and who owned and maintained the property where your accident happened.
Get Medical Treatment Immediately If You Were Injured During Your Break
If you’re injured at work, you should be treated right away.
The longer you wait to seek medical treatment, the worse your chances are of collecting benefits. So if you need immediate medical help after getting injured at work, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.
Call An Attorney if There Has Been a Delay in Getting Treatment
If you got hurt before clocking in, during a break, during lunch, or after clocking out—but while you were still at work, your injury may fit into one of the fact patterns where the Workers’ Compensation Act still protects you.
When this happens, you may decide to call an attorney specializing in workers’ compensation law. They can help you file claims and negotiate settlements when necessary.
An experienced worker’s comp lawyer can help you navigate the complex system, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
