What is considered a compensable injury?
In the state of Washington, a compensable injury is an injury that occurred at work and is covered under the state’s workers’ compensation system. To be compensable, an injury must be caused by an accident, not by a preexisting condition. It must also be an injury for which the employer has legal responsibility and it must be caused by activity related to the employee’s job. Types of compensable injuries can include traumatic injuries, such as those caused by slipping and falling or being struck by objects. It can also include occupational illnesses such as those caused by long-term exposure to hazardous materials. Mental and physical illnesses resulting from the stress of the job can also be compensable. It is important to note that an employee can still receive compensation even if the injury was partly their fault. The employee only needs to be partially responsible for the injury to receive compensation. Lastly, it is important to note that even if an injury isn’t considered compensable, the employee may be able to receive compensation and benefits through other sources, such as Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. The rules for what is considered a compensable injury can be complicated, so it is important to seek legal advice to determine whether an injury is compensable under the law.
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