The primary factors that must be established in order for your injury to be covered by workers’ compensation are:

1. Are you classified as an employee?
2. Did your injury occur as a result of your employment?

If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, then you are covered by workers’ compensation.

If you were injured in a work-related accident, but it was your fault, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or the injury was self-inflicted, then you will not be eligible for coverage.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common work-related injuries. If your doctor indicated that your carpal tunnel is the result of a repetitive motion injury due your job, then filing a workers’ compensation claim may help you pay for your medical bills and any in the future.

Employers are not legally allowed to discriminate against any employee on the basis of a medical condition or disability. If you were injured in a work-related accident and now require accommodation in order to fulfill your responsibilities, your employer should work with you so you can return to your duties.

The best thing you can do is contact a workers’ compensation attorney and explain your situation. Get medical treatment and let your doctor know that you believe your condition was caused by toxic exposure. He or she can do diagnostic tests and help determine the root cause. Your medical team and your attorney can help build a case to get you the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.

Generally, you are limited to pursuing compensation from an employer to the guidelines in workers’ compensation laws. However, if your employer intentionally harmed you or did not have adequate workers’ compensation insurance, then you may be able to sue him or her in court. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney to find out what your options are.