Workers compensation benefits are for employees whose illness or injury is work-related. Work-related means any injury, illness, or condition you suffer during the course and scope of your employment—including physical injuries, occupational illnesses, and repetitive stress injuries. However, there are exceptions to work-related injury coverage.
For example, workers compensation does not apply if the employee intentionally caused their own injuries. It also does not cover injuries when an employee is intoxicated or using illegal drugs. If the injury happened outside of work or while voluntarily participating in off-duty sports or social events, or by someone else for personal reasons unrelated to their job, they are probably not covered.
Injuries caused by an “act of God” are generally not covered unless the job had a high risk of exposure to such events.