If your disability is classified as permanent or results in death, additional benefits are available to you and your family. The workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers no matter whether an injury is caused by the employer's or employee's negligence. But there are some limits. Generally, injuries caused because an employee is intoxicated or using illegal drugs are not covered by workers' compensation. Many workers, for example, receive compensation for repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome and back problems, that are caused by overuse or misuse over a long period of time.
Most workers are eligible for workers' compensation coverage, but every state excludes some workers.
Check the workers' compensation law of your state to see whether these exclusions affect you. Federal government employees are also excluded from state workers' compensation coverage, but they receive workers' compensation benefits under a separate federal law. So, if you work for one of these employers, you may be excluded from the state program. As long as your injury is job-related, it's covered. First, promptly report the work-related injury or sickness to your employer.