Employees who have been injured at the work place are usually entitled to worker's compensation. Luckily most employers carry workers compensation insurance to cover wages lost, medical bills, compensation for permanent injuries, and benefits paid to the survivors of someone killed on the job. But it's not limited to sudden accidents. It can also be injuries sustained over a long period of time. But what injuries or illnesses are covered by worker's compensation and which ones are not?

Covered

1. Slips, trips, and falls are the most common accidents that are covered by worker's compensation. If you are on the job, not at home or in the car, and you experience a trip, slip, or fall, you are entitled to worker's compensation, whether it's from wet floors, icy sidewalks, rugs tripping you up, or anything else that causes you to fall and get hurt.
2. Getting hit by falling objects is another pretty common accident, especially in restaurants, warehouses, and retail stores.
3. Repetitive motion injuries are injuries that occur over time. Some of the most common ones are carpal tunnel syndrome, for those that sit at a computer all day, and back and shoulder injuries for those that do a lot of heavy lifting.
4. Accidents Caused by Machines are common in areas where there are large numbers of big machines used. You can either be crushed by a falling machine or machine part, or you can get a finger or a limb stuck between moving parts.

Non-Covered

1. Accidents occurring while commuting are not covered under worker's compensation unless commuting is a part of your job, but driving to and from the office does not count.
2. Small injuries that can be fixed with a band aid generally do not qualify for worker's comp.
3. Getting injured while under the influence will prevent you from getting worker's comp. If you are injured on the job and your employer suspects you are intoxicated or doing drugs, they can order a drug screening to be done. If it comes out positive then they are not liable to pay.
4. Injuries incurred while in violation of the law or company policy are also susceptible to denial.

Most work-related injuries are covered by worker's compensation. If you have been injured on the job, have read through this list, and are still unsure as to whether or not you qualify, your best bet is to contact a workers compensation attorney who can walk you through the process and tell you whether or not your injury qualifies.