Checking your workplace conduct standards after an injury

A serious workplace injury can put you on the mend for weeks or perhaps beyond a month. Fortunately, the state workers’ compensation system provides a way to cover your medical bills. Still, you should be aware that your employer or the insurer for your workplace may attempt to discredit your claim.

According to U.S. News and World Report, sometimes employees lose out on workers’ comp because they commit disqualifying actions. Having a copy of your workplace behavior standards may help you understand whether you have done anything to endanger your claim for coverage.

Examples of disqualifying actions

Workers’ comp tends to deny coverage to workers who are responsible for their injuries. Sometimes a worker receives an injury through reckless action. Other contributing factors include ingesting alcohol or illegal substances on the job or shortly before going to work.

Getting into a fight with another worker could also disqualify you. If you have not instigated the fight, you are likely not responsible for your injuries. Conversely, you might not receive workers’ comp if you threw the first punch.

Guidance from workplace behavior policy

Basically, any conduct that violates the policies set by your employer could deprive you of workers’ compensation. Your employer may have handed out a sheet or posted one on the wall detailing behavioral standards. Some companies give out handbooks or just tell their workers what they expect.

If a written policy exists, reviewing it may be essential. You could use it to point out that you did not violate any standards when you got hurt. You may have other evidence in lieu of a written policy that shows that you are not responsible for your injuries.