Answer six quick yes/no questions to see whether you likely have a workers' compensation claim — and what to do next.
Workers' comp is no-fault — you usually don't have to prove anyone was negligent. Nothing is stored.
Workers' compensation covers most employees who are injured or become ill because of their job. Unlike a personal-injury lawsuit, it's a no-fault system: you generally don't have to prove your employer did anything wrong. In exchange, workers' comp pays for your medical care and a portion of your lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.
Most valid claims share a few things in common:
It happened while you were doing your job — on a job site, on the clock, or as a result of your work duties. This includes sudden accidents as well as conditions that build up over time, like repetitive-strain injuries or occupational illnesses.
Most W-2 employees are covered. True independent contractors usually are not — though some workers are misclassified as contractors and may still qualify. If you're unsure, an attorney can review your situation.
States require you to notify your employer within a set window (often around 30 days) and to file a formal claim within a longer deadline (commonly one to three years). Missing these can jeopardize an otherwise valid claim, so act early.
No. Workers' comp is a no-fault system. You only need to show that your injury or illness arose out of and in the course of your employment — not that your employer or a coworker was negligent. Even if the accident was partly your own fault, you're usually still covered.
Job titles don't always control. Some workers are misclassified as contractors when the law would treat them as employees based on how the work is actually controlled and performed. An attorney can review your situation to see whether you may still qualify for benefits.
Not necessarily. Reporting late can make a claim harder, but many states still allow it within a set window, and some deadlines don't start until you discover that the condition is work-related. Report it as soon as you can and talk to an attorney about your specific timeline.
Most workers' comp attorneys offer a free consultation and work on a contingency or state-regulated fee, meaning you typically pay nothing up front. Rules on attorney fees vary by state, so ask during your free review.
This quiz provides a general, simplified estimate for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not reflect any specific state's workers' compensation laws. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this tool.
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