If you were hurt at work and think the injury was your fault, you might be asking:
“Can I still get workers’ comp benefits if I caused the accident?”
In most cases, yes. California’s workers’ compensation system is “no-fault,” meaning you can typically receive benefits even if you made a mistake — as long as you weren’t intentionally trying to get hurt or breaking specific rules.
At Employees First Labor Law, we help injured workers throughout California get the benefits they deserve — regardless of fault.
🔹 What Does “No-Fault” Workers’ Comp Mean?
In California, workers’ comp is designed to protect employees, not punish them.
That means:
- You do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong
- Your benefits aren’t reduced just because you caused the accident
- As long as your injury occurred in the course and scope of employment, you’re likely covered
✅ Examples of covered injuries even if you were at fault:
- You slipped while rushing to a meeting
- You cut yourself while not wearing gloves
- You crashed a forklift due to inexperience
- You failed to follow a safety protocol by mistake
🔹 Exceptions: When Fault Does Matter
There are some key situations where fault may limit or block your benefits:
❌ Willful Misconduct
If you were intentionally violating the law (e.g., fighting, horseplay, criminal conduct), your claim could be denied.
❌ Intoxication
If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol and that was the primary cause of your injury, you may be barred from recovery.
❌ Intentional Self-Harm
If you injured yourself on purpose (to avoid work, retaliate, or stage an incident), workers’ comp won’t apply.
Insurance companies often misuse these exceptions to deny valid claims. That’s why experienced legal representation is crucial.
🔹 What If Your Employer Tries to Deny the Claim?
Employers and insurers may claim that:
- You were careless or reckless
- You ignored safety rules
- You caused your own injury and therefore aren’t covered
These arguments are often legally irrelevant in a no-fault system.
At EFLL, we fight back by:
- Proving your injury occurred at work
- Demonstrating it was unintentional
- Challenging bad-faith denials and insurance delay tactics
🔹 Why You Still Have a Strong Case — Even If You Messed Up
Mistakes happen. Workers’ comp exists because jobs can be dangerous, and people aren’t perfect. As long as your injury was job-related, the system is supposed to provide:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary and permanent disability payments
- Mileage and prescription reimbursement
- Vocational rehab (if applicable)
Don’t assume you’re disqualified just because you were “at fault.” You likely have more rights than you think.
🔹 EFLL Handles Denied and Complex Claims
At Employees First Labor Law, we:
- Win claims that were denied for “fault”
- Challenge misconduct or intoxication allegations
- Pursue civil retaliation or wrongful termination claims if your employer punishes you for getting hurt
- Maximize your settlement — including lifetime medical care if needed
✅ Get Help Now — Before It’s Too Late
If you’re worried that your role in the injury might prevent you from getting benefits, contact us right away. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and secure your recovery.
