Does it matter if the work accident that injured you was your fault?

When an accident on the job injures an employee, they might worry if they caused the accident. They might also wonder if this will stop them from getting workers’ compensation benefits. What should workers know about how the workers’ compensation system handles fault?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system.

In personal injury claims, you need to prove someone else caused the accident. However, workers’ compensation does not work like that. In Florida, the workers’ compensation system is largely “no-fault.” It will cover injuries related to work no matter if it was caused by something the employer did, a coworker’s error or even the injured worker’s own mistake.

Are there situations where an employee’s actions can disqualify them from benefits?

While the no-fault principle covers most workplace injuries, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Situations that might limit a person’s ability to receive benefits include:

• Intoxication or drug use:If the injury happened because the worker was using drugs or alcohol, they might not get benefits.
• Violation of company policy: If the injury happened because the worker seriously broke a company rule or safety guideline, this could also affect their claim.
• Self-inflicted injuries: Workers who intentionally injure themselves usually do not receive benefits.
• Horseplay or fighting: If a worker gets hurt while playing around or fighting at work (unless they were defending themselves), those injuries usually do not qualify for benefits.

While there are some exceptions, most of the time, workers can get benefits even if their actions at work put them in danger. This means that even if you made a mistake, you can still get financial help from workers’ compensation after an accident on the job.