Usually, when we think of workers’ compensation, we think of people who do physical labor for a living. It’s not hard to imagine a construction worker getting hurt on the job. It’s not so easy to picture a corporate executive getting injured while at work. But it does happen. More than most people think.
Anyone who is a traditional, full-time employee is eligible for workers’ comp in Arkansas. Sure, there are a few exceptions. Some of these include:
- Companies who have fewer than three (3) employees
- Maids and domestic servants
- Nannies
- Farm workers
- Newspaper delivery people
- Federal employees
- Railroad workers
- Independent contractors and consultants
If you fall into any of these categories, you won’t be covered under workers’ comp. You would have to rely on standard disability benefits if you get hurt at work. For all other employees, however, workers’ compensation insurance should cover their injuries.
One question a lot of people have is whether or not people who work from home are eligible for workers’ comp benefits in Arkansas. The answer is – yes, for the most part.
What Kind of Work Do You Do?
In order to be eligible for workers’ comp, you do have to be an actual employee. The reason we point this is out is because a lot of people who work from home are consultants or independent contractors. As noted above, these people are not covered under workers’ compensation in Rogers, Arkansas.
For most other people who work from home, there is the benefit of workers’ compensation. If you’re not sure if you qualify, you should call and talk to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Rogers. It’s a good idea to confirm coverage before you actually get injured. The last thing you want to do is find out you’re not covered while sitting in the emergency room following a work-related accident.
Depending on the kind of work you do, you may at greater risk of getting hurt while on the job. Most workers’ compensation cases involve the following types of workers:
- Truck drivers
- Construction workers
- Factory workers
- Electricians and other blue-collar workers
- Warehouse employees
- Police officers
- HVAC workers
For the most part, people who do physical work are always going to be at a greater risk of getting hurt at work. If you sit at a desk all day, the odds of you suffering a work-related injury are much lower. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
Your Rogers Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Must Prove Causation
For people who work from home, the hardest part of their workers’ comp claim is proving causation. Because you live and work in the same place, it can be difficult to prove how your injury took place.
Your employer’s insurance company is going to argue that you were on your own time when the injury occurred. Your Rogers workers’ compensation attorney is going to argue that you were on the clock when you got hurt. It will be a matter of which side has stronger evidence.
It’s hard to prove work-related injuries that take place off company property. There are no witnesses around to confirm what happened. And, if there are witnesses, chances are, they’re your friends or family members. These people can’t be considered impartial.
The other reason it’s hard to prove at-home injuries is because there’s always the chance that you were doing something for personal reasons at the time of your accident. For example, if you slip and fall at home, the insurance adjuster can argue that you doing laundry, not working. It can be very hard to prove exactly how the accident happened. That’s why you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Rogers.
Contact a Skilled Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Rogers, Arkansas
If you work at home and have suffered a work-related injury, you may need help. Insurance companies and employers are more likely to deny these types of claims. They have no real proof that the injury occurred on company time and not personal time.
An experienced workers’ comp attorney knows what it takes to prove these cases. They’ll review the facts of your case and gather the evidence to prove your claim. They can also negotiate with the insurance company to get your claim paid.
If you’ve gotten hurt on the job and your claim has been denied, call an experienced workers’ comp lawyer at The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. today. You can schedule your free initial consultation. And remember – you pay nothing until you settle your case.