Workers compensation provides benefits for consequential injuries. Consequential injuries are injuries or medical condition that occur away from the job, but that are resultant from the employee’s on the job injury. For instance, if an employee has an injured foot from an accident at work and they fall at home, injuries sustained in the fall at home are considered consequential injuries are are eligible for coverage under workers’ compensation. Another instance of a consequential injury would be an injury sustained during travel to and from medical treatments or an injury suffered during medical treatments.
If an employee has sustained a consequential injury, they must submit a written account detailing the circumstances of the second injury and how it is related to the initial work injury. This account, like other workers comp claims, should establish the how, when, and why of the consequential injury. This account should be taken to the medical provider who is treating the initial injury who will evaluate it and provide a medical report that connects the injuries.
If you have suffered a consequential injury it will be covered by OWCP as long as it is clearly connected to the original injury. Talk to a medical provider who is familiar with the process and make sure that you get the necessary paperwork filed to ensure your compensation.
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. Best DOL Doctors is independent and not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor or OWCP. See our editorial policy.