Mental illness is a real and serious condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their occupation. If you suffer from a work-related mental illness, you may be wondering if youre eligible for workers compensation.
The answer is maybe. Workers compensation laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to check with your state’s workers compensation board to see if mental illness is covered. In general, however, workers compensation will only cover mental illness if it can be proven that the condition was caused by work-related stressors or events.
If you think you may have a work-related mental illness, it’s important to seek professional help. A qualified mental health professional can assess your condition and help you determine if workers compensation is a possibility.
Workers Compensation Myths You Need to Know
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to workers compensation. Here are a few of the most common ones:
Myth 1: Workers compensation is only for work-related injuries
This is simply not true. Workers compensation can cover any injury or illness that occurs while you are working, regardless of whether it is directly related to your job.
Myth 2: You can only get workers compensation if you are injured at work
Wrong again! Workers compensation can also cover you if you become ill as a result of your job, or if you are injured while performing job-related duties outside of work (such as traveling for work).
Myth 3: Your employer has to give you workers compensation coverage
In most cases, yes – but there are a few exceptions. If your employer employs fewer than five people, they may be exempt from providing workers compensation coverage. Additionally, some states exempt certain types of businesses from providing coverage (such as those in the agricultural or construction industries).
Myth 4: Workers compensation is free
While your employer will usually foot the bill for workers compensation coverage, it is not free. Workers compensation insurance rates are based on a number of factors, including the type of business, the number of employees, and the company’s claims history.
Myth 5: You can only get workers compensation if you miss work
If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to workers compensation regardless of whether you miss any time from work. In some cases, you may even be able to receive benefits if you are able to return to work with restrictions.
Myth 6: Workers compensation will only cover your medical expenses
This is not always the case. In addition to covering your medical expenses, workers compensation may also provide benefits for lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits.
Myth 7: You have to be an employee to get workers compensation
Not necessarily. In some cases, independent contractors and other non-employees may be eligible for workers compensation coverage.
Myth 8: You can’t sue your employer if you have workers compensation
This is largely dependent on the state in which you live. Some states do allow employees to sue their employers for workplace injuries, even if they are covered by workers compensation. However, most states have laws that protect employers from such lawsuits.
Myth 9: Workers compensation is the only type of benefits available to injured workers
If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to other types of benefits in addition to workers compensation. These can include disability insurance, Social Security Disability Insurance, and personal injury damages.
Myth 10: You have to report your injury right away to get workers compensation
This is not always true. In some cases, you may have up to 30 days to report an injury. However, it is always best to report an injury as soon as possible so that you can begin receiving benefits.
Now that you know the truth about workers compensation, you can be sure that you are getting the coverage you deserve. If you have been injured at work, contact a Florida workers compensation lawyer to discuss your options.