Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net for workers who become sick or injured because of their job. However, in Ohio, these laws do not cover every person or injury. Knowing what workers’ compensation does not cover can help workers navigate the system more effectively.
What workers do not qualify for workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to many different workers in Ohio. However, the law does exclude some people:
- Independent contractors: Independent contractors are self-employed and not regular employees. They must take care of their own insurance because the law sees them differently from employees.
- Volunteers: Workers’ compensation generally does not cover volunteers because they don’t get paid for their work. However, there are exceptions, like volunteer firefighters, who might have special rules that cover them.
What injuries do not qualify for workers’ compensation?
Even if workers do not fall into these exempted categories, workers compensation may not cover their injuries in some situations. These include:
- Pre-existing conditions: If you had an injury or illness before you started the job, workers’ compensation does not generally cover that condition unless your job made it worse. For instance, if you already had a back problem and your job made it worse, you might only get help for the part that got worse.
- Injuries from drugs or alcohol: If your injury occurred while you were under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, you generally cannot receive benefits. Companies often test for drugs after an accident, and if you test positive, you might not get benefits.
- Self-inflicted injuries: If you hurt yourself on purpose, you will not get workers’ compensation. This rule helps stop fake claims and makes sure the system helps real cases.
- Injuries from crimes: If your injury was the result of committing a crime, like stealing or vandalizing, you cannot receive benefits.
While workers’ compensation provides support to many employees in Ohio, it does not cover every person or every type of injury. By knowing who and what is not covered, workers can better prepare and protect themselves in case of workplace injuries or illnesses.