How Well Do You Know Criminal Law?How Well Do You Know Criminal Law?

Getting injured at work or while fulfilling your job description out in the field is no fun, and you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and expenses until you are able to return to work. Unfortunately, you face an average of a 15% chance of having your workers compensation claim denied. But if you feel your case has merit, don't give up! As long as you can prove these five requirements, your claim stands a greater chance of being successful. To do so, you must:

1. Prove your employer was involved in business and subject to the workers compensation  laws in your state
2. Demonstrate you had an undisputable employment relationship with your employer and were not an independent contractor
3. Prove you were injured while doing your job, and your injuries are the type to receive benefits
4. Show that your injuries were caused or worsened by the accident and not another separate medical condition
5. Prove that you told your employer about the accident before the deadline

Consider these 4 strange workers compensation cases that actually won because the claimant was able to successfully prove these 5 points.

Golf Club Mishap                                                                                                                        

While observing golf clubs being assembled in a country club's pro shop, an employee was struck in the groin with one of the clubs by the general manager of the club. A four judge panel determined the claimant indeed met all five requirements to consider the case a win for the claimant. The employee might have experienced intense pain in a very sensitive area, but the only "sore" loser was the employer who was found to be at fault.

Relaxing Bear Attack

After a soothing smoke with his marijuana joint, a worker at an animal adventure tourist attraction decided to feed the bears their meal, not caring whether he might be part of that meal. Instead, his buttocks and legs were mauled. The employer hotly stated the employee should not have smoked marijuana before doing so, and that feeding the bears was outside his normal duties. However, the claim was paid on the basis of the five requirements.

Don't Gamble On The 400-pound Hog

After conducting market research at a competing casino, a neighboring casino employee was driving home with her sister at 4 a.m. when her car hit a 400-pound wild hog. Speeds and a solid animal resulted in some injuries. Fortunately, the court ruled that her case met all the basic requirements, allowing her to receive compensation for the accident.

Pizza Delivery Attack

After safely and properly delivering a fresh hot pizza, an employee was returning to the pizza restaurant to pick up his next order. If front of the shop, he was involved in a fight with a frequent panhandler that had just been ejected from the restaurant. The delivery man received a sore chest and punctured lung for his troubles with the unwelcome panhandler. In the end, the employee received compensation for his injuries.

The Conclusion

These four unlikely yet successful workers compensation claims are further proof that as long as your case fulfills the 5 necessary requirements, it can be successful. A casino worker, an animal feeder, a golf club employee and a pizza delivery person all successfully demonstrated that:

• Their employer was subject to the laws of their state
• They were fulfilling their job duties at the time of the injury
• They were legal employees
• They did not previously suffer from the condition or injury
• They  reported their injury to their employer before the deadline

Remember, if your own claim meets these basic requirements, it's worth pursuing. You too deserve to be compensated for your injuries sustained at work. Discover more about what your options may be by reaching out to a professional.