Workers compensation laws are put in place to protect employees in case they are ever injured on the job. Unfortunately, far too many workers are unfamiliar with their rights under current workers compensation laws. Consequently, many of these workers will fail to exercise their rights after being injured at work. Taking the time to review the three facts below can help to ensure that you do not find yourself in the same position. 

Fact #1: Workers Compensation Is  A No-Fault System

What this means for you is that it does not matter if you are at fault for causing the accident that resulted in your workplace injuries, you are still protected under workers compensation laws. If your employer tries to discourage you from filing a workers compensation claim because you were at fault for causing a workplace accident, you should consult an attorney to help you file this claim. 

Fact #2: Workers Compensation Covers Both Accident-Related And Repetitive Motion Injuries

Many workers make the mistake of assuming that workers compensation laws only apply to injuries that are the result of an on-the-job accident. However, these laws also apply to repetitive motion injuries that occur as a result of performing your job over the course of time. For example, if you require a knee replacement due to frequent bending and lifting on the job, this injury and treatment could be covered under your employer's workers compensation insurance. Hiring a workers compensation attorney can prove especially beneficial in these types of cases since it can be more difficult to prove that a repetitive motion injury is a direct result of doing your job rather than the result of activities you participate in outside of work. 

Fact #3: You Have The Right To Be Protected Against Retaliation

If you hope to return to work for the same employer once you have healed from your injuries, you may be concerned about your employer retaliating for your decision to seek workers compensation benefits. You should know that retaliation of any kind is against the law. This includes terminating your employment, demoting you or reducing your hours, or creating a hostile work environment. If you believe that your employer is or intends to retaliate against you, you should immediately consult a workers compensation attorney. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to secure additional compensation for your employer's illegal actions and ensure that action is taken to restore your employment status.

For more information on workers compensation, contact a professional near you.