Maybe an HVAC professional in a company vehicle turned the wrong way down a one-way street and caused a crash. They got hurt on the clock but are obviously to blame for the crash. Perhaps someone in a manufacturing facility made a timing error that led to a severe laceration.
There are many times when a worker in New Hampshire may have a job injury for which they are at least partially responsible. Does personal fault prevent someone from securing disability benefits and health coverage through a workers’ compensation claim?
Fault typically will not influence worker rights
The rules for workers’ compensation benefits in New Hampshire apply a no-fault standard to claims. Fault doesn’t influence whether a worker qualifies for benefits or if their employer has to pay for an injury. The only factor that really matters is whether the medical issue has a direct connection to someone’s employment.
If a job caused someone’s condition, then they very likely qualify for benefits. They can secure disability pay until they return to work and also medical coverage for their mandatory treatment. The rare exceptions to this rule include intentional injury and drug or alcohol intoxication on the job. If an employer can show that someone hurt themselves on purpose or because of chemical impairment, the worker may struggle to secure benefits.
Workers coping with an injury typically have a right to support after their injury or diagnosis. Learning more about workers’ compensation benefits in New Hampshire will make the claims process less intimidating for a worker recently hurt on the job.